Accountant

Accountant

North East Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Transformation Team as an Accountant, ensuring financial accuracy and supporting impactful projects.
  • Company: Durham County Council is transforming local government for a better future in County Durham.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, 27-32 days holiday, hybrid working, and excellent pension schemes.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving positive change and making a real impact in the community.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in financial project delivery are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion make this role unique.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the future of local government? Durham County Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation, and we are seeking dynamic, innovative individuals to join our team. If you are passionate about making a real impact, driving positive change, and contributing to the success of County Durham, this is your opportunity to be at the heart of something exceptional.

We’re looking for:

  • 3 Project Managers
  • 1 Assistant Project Manager
  • 1 Business Analyst
  • 1 Assistant Business Analyst
  • 1 Accountant

These posts are until 31 March 2028 and will help shape and deliver our ambitious transformation agenda of a modern reformed Council. These posts are ideal for people who thrive on challenge, collaboration, and making a difference to the people who live or work in County Durham. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team where your ideas and expertise will help shape meaningful change.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As an Accountant working in our Transformation Team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial data. You will work closely with various departments to provide financial insights supporting the projects within the Transformation Programme and contributing to the success of our transformation initiatives.

We encourage you to contact Su Jordan, Strategic Manager – PPMO via email at su.jordan@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

  • We’re searching for an accountant who is passionate about supporting transformation and delivering value within the public sector.
  • Bring your strong analytical skills to provide insights, ensure accuracy, and support sound, transparent financial decision-making.
  • Confidently explain complex financial information to a variety of audiences and work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Whether you have improved processes, managed budgets, or implemented service enhancements, we value your hands-on experience in financial project delivery.
  • Work well within a professional team, sharing knowledge and seeking innovative ways to enhance public sector finance services.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

  • Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
  • Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
  • Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
  • Hybrid working (home and office working).
  • Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options – Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
  • Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
  • Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
  • Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
  • Discounted DCC gym membership.
  • Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
  • Trade Union membership.
  • A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits

SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council!

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers

HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on Thursday 11 September 2025.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council\’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on RecruitmentCEX@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 262727 – Option 6.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.

We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf

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Accountant employer: Durham County Council

Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the community. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and development, you will thrive in a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us in shaping the future of local government while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working and a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in County Durham.
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Contact Detail:

Durham County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Accountant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Durham County Council's transformation agenda. Understanding their goals and how your role as an Accountant fits into this vision will help you articulate your passion for the position during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Reach out to Su Jordan, the Strategic Manager, for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you insights that can help you tailor your approach when applying.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight your experience in financial project delivery during any conversations or interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've improved processes or managed budgets effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest developments in public sector finance. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges can set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Accountant

Financial Reporting
Budget Management
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Public Sector Finance
Financial Modelling
Data Analysis
Process Improvement
Collaboration Skills
Adaptability
Technical Proficiency in Accounting Software

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Accountant position. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role's expectations.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the listing to demonstrate that you are a perfect fit for the role.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In the 'Person Specification' section of your application, provide concrete examples of your previous work that relate to financial project delivery, analytical skills, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an Accountant.

How to prepare for a job interview at Durham County Council

✨Understand the Transformation Agenda

Familiarise yourself with Durham County Council's transformation initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how your skills as an accountant can contribute to these projects and support financial decision-making.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Highlight your strong analytical abilities during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to provide financial insights and ensure data accuracy.

✨Communicate Financial Concepts Clearly

Practice explaining complex financial information in simple terms. The ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders is crucial, so be ready to demonstrate this skill.

✨Emphasise Collaboration Experience

Discuss your experience working collaboratively within teams. Share specific examples of how you've partnered with different departments to enhance financial processes or deliver successful projects.

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