At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in finance through diverse placements and projects.
- Company: Join the City of Edinburgh Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, and a nationally recognised accountancy qualification.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for all.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with valuable experience and professional growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Open to graduates; enthusiasm for finance and teamwork is key.
The predicted salary is between 30188 - 34452 £ per year.
Graduate Trainee Accountants will undertake a range of placements across a number of teams within the Finance function. The work is likely to include:
- Management accounting
- Budget preparation
- Financial accounting
- Financial control
- Project work
- Internal auditing
There may also be opportunities to gain some experience in the following areas:
- Treasury management
- Procurement
- Payment processing
- Financial information systems
Graduate Trainee Accountants will be required to show measurable improvement in their performance over the specified three and a half year training period. Objectives will be set at the start of each placement and assessed at the end of each placement. At the end of the three and a half years fixed-term contract, a position with the Council is not guaranteed, although candidates will be encouraged to apply for internal positions towards the end of their placement. If at the end of the three and a half year period a position has not been secured, candidates will leave the organisation.
The post offers new entrants to the labour market the chance of paid employment combined with the opportunity to be trained in the relevant occupational area. The post includes the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, to contribute to the work of the department and to gain a nationally recognised accountancy qualification.
In the early stages of employment, Graduate Trainee Accountants are closely supervised; however, as you gain more experience, you will be expected to carry out duties on your own or as lead officer on occasion and to be able to prioritise your workload appropriately.
You will follow a well-established structured training programme which has achieved Best Practice Employer accreditation. The trainee programme takes approximately three years.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.
Graduate Trainee Accountant: Public Finance & Structured Training employer: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
The City of Edinburgh Council is an excellent employer for Graduate Trainee Accountants, offering a structured training programme that has achieved Best Practice Employer accreditation. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values respect, integrity, and flexibility, alongside opportunities for professional growth and the chance to gain a nationally recognised accountancy qualification in a vibrant city environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee Accountant: Public Finance & Structured Training
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Graduate Trainee Accountants on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for trainee accountant roles and practice your answers. Make sure to highlight how you embody the behaviours of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility that the Council values. We want to see your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you've done any relevant projects or coursework, be ready to discuss them in detail. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of management accounting, budgeting, or financial control. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee Accountant: Public Finance & Structured Training
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate Trainee Accountant role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with management accounting, budget preparation, and financial control. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about public finance and how you embody our values of respect, integrity, and flexibility. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate measurable improvements or successes in your previous roles or studies. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best experience. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our commitment to diversity!
How to prepare for a job interview at CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting principles and financial concepts. Be ready to discuss management accounting, budget preparation, and financial control. Showing that you understand these areas will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the role requires adaptability, think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to be flexible. Whether it’s adjusting to new tasks or working with different teams, sharing these stories will highlight your ability to embody the behaviours of respect, integrity, and flexibility.
✨Prepare for Placement Objectives
Understand that you'll be assessed at the end of each placement. Familiarise yourself with how performance is measured and think about how you can demonstrate measurable improvement. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in growing within the organisation.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
The company values a diverse workforce, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this culture. Reflect on your own experiences and how they align with the organisation's commitment to inclusivity. This will show that you’re not only a fit for the role but also for the company’s ethos.
