At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial reporting and provide expert advice to support local communities.
- Company: Epping Forest District Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 28 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while growing your public-sector experience.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified or equivalent experience with strong technical accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 61654 - 64665 £ per year.
All jobs at Epping Forest District Council are shown below, these can be filtered using the search criteria below.
Salary: £61,754 - £64,265 with £5,000 Market Supplement
Contractual hours: 36
Basis: Full time
Region: Epping
Package: LGPS pension scheme, 28 days annual leave + bank holidays, Perkbox discounts & wellbeing perks, Hybrid working, Ongoing professional development, Flexible pay via Stream, Reimbursement of professional membership
Job category/type: Permanent - Full Time
Date posted: 29/05/2026
Job reference: EREQ000534
Join us in a high-impact finance role where your technical expertise will help shape strong financial reporting, support sound decisions, and make a real difference for local communities. We are seeking a positive, proactive and self-motivated individual to join our team at Epping Forest District Council.
Location: Civic Offices Epping (hybrid working available, subject to service need)
Hours: 36 hours per week (flexible working considered)
About the role: We are seeking a qualified and motivated Technical Accountant to join our finance team at an exciting time for the council. This is a great opportunity to lead on specialist accounting areas, shape high-quality financial reporting, and provide expert advice that supports key services for residents. Working across the organisation on complex and rewarding technical matters, you will contribute to the successful delivery of the Statement of Accounts and help maintain strong financial governance and continuous improvement.
Reporting directly to the Chief Accountant you will play a key role in delivering high-quality technical accounting support across the council, with responsibilities including:
- Provide trusted technical accounting advice to finance colleagues and services on complex transactions and accounting treatment.
- Lead on Collection Fund accounting (Council Tax and NNDR/Business Rates), including estimates, year-end reconciliations, supporting papers, disclosures, and liaison with internal stakeholders and external audit.
- Take ownership of Group Accounts, including advising on accounting treatment, maintaining robust working papers, and preparing supporting disclosures for the Statement of Accounts.
- Support the delivery of the annual Statement of Accounts, including working papers, disclosures, and productive engagement with external audit.
- Prepare and support key system reconciliations, including payroll and cash/bank reconciliations, maintaining strong audit trails, investigating differences, and ensuring timely resolution.
- Contribute to capital accounting, leases, and fixed asset accounting, supporting year‑end closedown activities, reconciliations, and audit queries.
- Complete the Whole of Government Accounts return and coordinate other statutory returns as required, while also supporting treasury and VAT activities with strong compliance and controls.
- Help support and improve the council’s finance systems, year‑end processes, reporting templates, and financial controls, contributing to continuous improvement and change.
- Manage and support staff within the team, providing day‑to‑day guidance, allocating work effectively, and helping to maintain high‑quality service delivery.
About you: Essential: CCAB‑qualified (for example CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or qualified by experience with demonstrable technical accounting expertise. Strong understanding of statutory accounting and financial reporting, with experience of preparing or reviewing year‑end accounts and disclosures. Ability to interpret accounting guidance and turn it into clear advice, practical solutions, and robust working papers. Excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the confidence to build effective working relationships across the organisation. A proactive approach, with the ability to manage priorities, contribute ideas, and support continuous improvement. Proficient in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel and Outlook. Experience and confidence in using financial systems to support reconciliations, reporting, controls, and year‑end processes. A genuine enthusiasm for transformation and excellence.
What we offer: The Council can offer an excellent collaborative working environment which promotes remote working as well as on site working at the Civic Offices in Epping, which offer a modern, high specification workspace. This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with an expectation that colleagues are expected to be in the office at least once per month for team meetings (as a minimum), for project work and collaborative activities, and as often as the role requires face‑to‑face attendance. A varied and visible role with real influence, professional challenge, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the council. Be part of a supportive finance team committed to professional development and shaping the future of the Council’s financial function. 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays) (pro rata for part time). Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
How to apply: If you are looking for a role where you can use your technical expertise, continue to grow your public‑sector experience, and make a genuine difference, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply via our online recruitment portal by 22nd June 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on 2nd July 2026. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. Epping Forest District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Technical Accountant employer: Colchester Borough Council
Epping Forest District Council is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, offering hybrid working options and a modern workspace at the Civic Offices in Epping. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities, generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, all while making a meaningful impact on local communities through their work in finance.
Contact Details:
Colchester Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in local councils or similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss complex accounting topics and showcase how your expertise can benefit the council. Practice common interview questions with a mate to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job postings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technical Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your technical accounting expertise and understanding of statutory reporting.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve contributed to financial governance or improved processes.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our team and the value you can bring.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply via our online recruitment portal. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Borough Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Technical Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and accounting standards. Brush up on the latest statutory accounting guidelines and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it practically.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into technical accounting issues, such as Collection Fund accounting or Group Accounts. Prepare examples from your past experience where you’ve tackled complex transactions or reconciliations. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You’ll need to build effective relationships across the organisation, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to translate technical jargon into clear, actionable advice.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Approach
The council is looking for someone who can contribute ideas and support continuous improvement. Think of instances where you’ve identified inefficiencies in processes and taken the initiative to improve them. Highlighting this proactive mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
