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- Tasks: Support financial operations and manage budgets for educational services.
- Company: Join Devon County Council's dynamic finance team.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, flexible working, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative projects that shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of accounting principles required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
A secondment opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Accountant working full time in the Finance - Inclusion and Learning. If you are an effective communicator and inspiring team leader with first class interpersonal skills we want to hear from you. Excellent IT and analytical skills with a sound understanding of accounting principles are also essential, as is the ability to organise and prioritise often conflicting workloads to achieve results accurately and on time.
It is an exciting time to be joining our finance team, we have several key transformation projects getting under way which will define our service for years to come. You will have an integral role in supporting Inclusion and Learning to deliver its statutory SEND responsibilities, ensuring systems are fit for purpose, remain relevant in an ever-changing environment, and deliver our fundamental purpose of securing excellent financial stewardship and probity.
This Assistant Accountant role supports the following service areas:
- Devon Education Services trading
- SEND Support Services including Education Psychology Service, Admissions, Attendance, Safeguarding, Communication and Interaction, Physical and Sensory support, Behaviour Support.
- Inclusion & Learning-wide staffing & IT budgets.
The main function of this role is:
- Co-monthly monitoring, Budget Prep and closedown of 25 x Devon Education Services trading related teams, including monthly budget meetings with Team Leads.
- Setting charge out rates for staffing teams, resolving billing queries and other monthly related business operational tasks.
- Assisting the Senior Accountant with the Budget Prep., monitoring and closedown of the core General Fund Inclusion & Learning budgets.
- Maintaining the Inclusion & Learning directorate staffing overview, reconciling payroll to budgets, maintaining the centralised staffing spreadsheet to manage staffing establishments, vacancy savings targets and projected staffing costs.
- Managing the Inclusion & Learning ICT agreed contract costs, updating the agreement for staffing movements and ensuring charges are actioned correctly.
Working for Devon County Council has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer. In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:
- 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme - available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life
- Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role)
- Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Adrian Hilliard or Adrian Fox.
How to apply: Please complete an internal application form by 12 December 2025. The statement should demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the job description.
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Assistant Accountant in Exeter employer: Devon County Council
Contact Detail:
Devon County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and connections within DCC. Let them know you're interested in the Assistant Accountant role. Sometimes, a friendly chat can lead to insider tips or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that informal chat! If you get the chance to speak with Adrian Hilliard or Adrian Fox, have some questions ready about the role and the team. Show your enthusiasm and understanding of the finance projects they’re working on.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your accounting principles and IT skills. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the budget prep and monitoring tasks. Confidence in your abilities will shine through during discussions!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure your internal application form highlights how you meet the essential criteria. Tailor your statement to reflect your skills in managing budgets and supporting teams effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your excellent IT and analytical skills in your application. We want to see how you can apply your understanding of accounting principles to the role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Statement: When writing your statement, directly address the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for the Assistant Accountant position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website using your iTrent Employee Self Service details. It’s the easiest way for us to process your application and get you on board!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting principles and be ready to discuss them. Make sure you can explain how you would handle budget preparation and closedown processes, as these are key aspects of the Assistant Accountant role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is crucial for this position, prepare examples of how you've successfully led team meetings or resolved conflicts. Be ready to demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
✨Be Organised and Prioritise
Think about how you manage conflicting workloads. Prepare to share specific strategies you've used in the past to stay organised and meet deadlines, especially in a finance context.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the Inclusion and Learning service areas mentioned in the job description. Show that you understand how your role as an Assistant Accountant will support these services and contribute to their success.