Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance) in Exeter
Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance)

Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance) in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Devon County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support Senior Accountants in producing financial statements and managing pension fund accounting.
  • Company: Join Devon County Council's Finance Strategy Team for a dynamic work experience.
  • Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for skill development.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable experience in local government finance while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Attention to detail, Excel skills, and effective communication are essential.
  • Other info: Great career growth potential in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Fixed Term (Maternity Cover - Minimum 12 Months, probable extension to 18 Months) Full Time 37 hours per week

The Finance Strategy Team, part of the Finance and Public Value service, is looking to recruit a full time Assistant Accountant on a fixed term contract. This role offers the opportunity to gain experience working in a dynamic environment within local government corporate finance, providing information and solutions for other parts of Finance and Public Value. It is an opportunity to leverage existing knowledge and develop new skills.

Key Accountabilities

  • The role will support the work of the Senior Accountants in the production of the Annual Statement of Accounts for Devon County Council and Devon Pension Fund. This will require excellent attention to detail and ability with Excel to analyse and interpret financial data.
  • The post holder will need to have effective communication skills.
  • Responsible for actuarial recharges and reconciliations, annual funding and statistical returns.
  • Dealing with pension employer cashflow queries.
  • Supporting production of pension fund triennial valuation exercise.
  • Co-ordination of FRS102/IAS 19 employer valuation reporting.
  • The monthly monitoring of total corporate revenue expenditure and income.
  • Supporting the co-ordination of the budget preparation process.
  • Ensuring compliance with statutory accounting Codes of Practice.
  • Supporting the Senior Accountant at external partnership meetings.
  • Assisting with external audit queries.
  • Co-ordinating and producing the Budget Book, Outturn Report, Statement of Accounts and Whole of Government and Accounts.
  • Supporting the Senior Accountant on Pension Fund Accounting, Corporate Revenue Accounting and Capital Accounting.

The closing date for applications is Monday 5th January 2026. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13th January 2026. There will also be a short test using Excel.

If you would like further information and an informal chat about the role, please contact Jessica Maunder (jessica.maunder@devon.gov.uk). Alternatively, please contact Lisa Northam (lisa.northam@devon.gov.uk) or Catherine Burt (catherine.burt@devon.gov.uk).

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your Trent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Important Information

We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. 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. For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance) in Exeter employer: Devon County Council

Devon County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. As part of the Finance Strategy Team, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in local government corporate finance while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Devon County Council prioritises employee well-being and engagement.
Devon County Council

Contact Detail:

Devon County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance) in Exeter

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in local government finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even potential referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for that Excel test! Brush up on your skills by practising common functions and data analysis techniques. We all know how crucial Excel is for this Assistant Accountant role, so show them you’ve got it covered.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just wing the interview! Research the Devon County Council’s financial strategies and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your interest and knowledge during the interview, making you stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your supporting statement highlights how you meet the essential criteria – it’s your chance to shine!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance) in Exeter

Attention to Detail
Excel Proficiency
Effective Communication Skills
Financial Data Analysis
Reconciliation Skills
Budget Preparation
Statutory Accounting Compliance
Pension Fund Accounting
Corporate Revenue Accounting
Capital Accounting
Actuarial Recharges Management
External Audit Support
Triennial Valuation Coordination
FRS102/IAS 19 Reporting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the role involves and how your skills fit in. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!

Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to highlight how you meet the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the person specification. Be specific and give examples of your experience that relate directly to the role.

Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since this role requires strong Excel abilities, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have with data analysis and financial reporting. If you’ve worked on similar tasks before, let us know how you tackled them!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council

✨Know Your Numbers

Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around the Annual Statement of Accounts and pension fund accounting. Be ready to discuss how you would handle actuarial recharges and reconciliations, as well as any experience you have with budget preparation.

✨Excel Skills Are Key

Since there's a short test using Excel, make sure you're comfortable with data analysis and interpretation. Practise common functions and formulas that are relevant to financial data, so you can showcase your skills confidently during the interview.

✨Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is crucial for this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information in the past. Think about how you can explain your thought process clearly when discussing compliance with statutory accounting Codes of Practice.

✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement

Your application needs a strong supporting statement that highlights how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Make sure to tailor it specifically to the job description, showcasing your attention to detail and relevant experience in local government corporate finance.

Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance) in Exeter
Devon County Council
Location: Exeter
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