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- Tasks: Join us as a CIPFA Trainee and gain hands-on experience in public finance.
- Company: Oxfordshire County Council, dedicated to positive change and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working, up to 33 days holiday, and great learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while building a rewarding career in public finance.
- Qualifications: Must be under 22 with a relevant degree or AAT Level 4 qualification.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
About Us
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to leading positive change and making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer, and healthier county. We work in partnership with local communities, public sector organisations, and businesses to deliver high‑quality services that support the wellbeing and prosperity of our residents. Our vision is underpinned by a set of clear priorities, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and continuous improvement in public services. Oxfordshire is proud of its diverse communities. We are dedicated to promoting equality, supporting vulnerable people, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our teams are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference for the people who live and work here. Join us and be part of an organisation that values learning, kindness, integrity, and the courage to do things differently.
About the Role
Join Oxfordshire County Council as a CIPFA Level 7 Apprentice and work towards Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) membership. This role offers structured placements across finance areas such as corporate finance, business partnering, and operations, giving you hands‑on experience while you study. You’ll gain experience in financial planning, reporting, and projects, developing technical and professional skills that underpin a successful career in public finance.
To be eligible for the apprenticeship, applicants must be 21 years of age or below before commencement of studies in September 2026 (based on central government funding criteria), hold a relevant degree or AAT Level 4 qualification, and demonstrate strong numeracy, analytical ability, and clear communication skills.
About you
You’re eager to build a career in public finance and committed to completing the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship. You meet the eligibility criteria (including being under 22 years of age before studies commence, based on central government funding criteria), holding a relevant degree or AAT Level 4 qualification, and have strong numeracy, analytical, and communication skills. You can manage time effectively, balance study with work, and produce clear, accurate written work. Proficient in IT and spreadsheets, you work well independently and as part of a team, showing professionalism, integrity, and a logical approach to problem solving. Experience in finance or business is desirable, but your willingness to learn and uphold our values of responsibility, inclusion, and innovation is essential.
Rewards and benefits
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology to support agile working where role permits
- Up to 33 days holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
- Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
- Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
- Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a DisabilityConfident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi‑time, part time working, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an applicant day in April.
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CIPFA Trainee employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CIPFA Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Oxfordshire County Council! Research their values and priorities, like environmental sustainability and social inclusion. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to finance and public service. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples of your analytical and communication abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Oxfordshire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace CIPFA Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for public finance shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and priorities of Oxfordshire County Council. Highlight your commitment to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and continuous improvement in public services.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clear communication, so keep your written work straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make your skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a CIPFA Trainee and the key responsibilities that come with it. Brush up on public finance concepts, financial planning, and reporting. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong numeracy, analytical ability, and communication skills. Think of situations where you've successfully managed time or solved problems, as these are crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Align with Their Values
Oxfordshire County Council values learning, kindness, integrity, and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and personal life. Share experiences that demonstrate your commitment to social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or how the council measures success in their projects. It shows you're engaged and serious about the role.
