At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the finance team with budget monitoring and financial analysis.
- Company: Join Braintree District Council, a dynamic and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a creative team committed to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: AAT qualification or relevant experience in finance required.
The predicted salary is between 35721 - 35721 £ per year.
We are looking for an organised and motivated Accounting Assistant to join our Financial Services team at Braintree District Council. This role provides support across the finance team, to deliver an accurate and compliant service.
The role assists with budget monitoring, advice and analysis, contributing to the production of final accounts including year end processes, annual estimates, budgetary control and audit requirements. Support extends across accounts payable and corporate finance including payment processing, resolving queries and financial monitoring, alongside advising and supporting employees and managers. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with strong numeracy skills, excellent attention to detail and ideally experience of working in local government.
Job Accountabilities
- Provide comprehensive support to the Finance Team, contributing to the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant financial services across the organisation.
- Provide high‑quality financial data and analytical support for the completion of grant claims, statutory returns, and government statistical submissions.
- Ensure all information is accurate, compliant, and submitted within required timescales.
- Responsible for the preparation of high-quality financial advice, information, analysis, returns and challenge to budget holders.
- Support the production of the Council’s final accounts, contributing to year‑end processes, reconciliations, working papers, and audit requirements to ensure completion by the statutory deadline and in compliance with relevant accounting standards.
- Provide flexible support to the Accounts Payable and the Corporate team, including assisting with payment processing, query resolution, government returns and monitoring.
- Undertake complex financial reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, resolving discrepancies, maintaining robust audit trails, and supporting the integrity of financial data across multiple systems.
- Assist with the preparation and posting of routine journals, accruals, and prepayments.
- Provide basic financial guidance to staff unfamiliar with financial processes, such as raising purchase orders or interpreting simple budget reports.
- Lead on the administration and oversight of the Purchase Card process, including cardholder set‑up, monitoring usage, conducting reconciliations, ensuring policy compliance, and providing responsive support to services on purchase card queries and issues.
Experience
We are looking for part or full AAT qualification or extensive experience in a similar finance role. You should be confident working with financial systems, spreadsheets and Microsoft Office, with the ability to interpret financial information, follow procedures and work accurately to deadlines. Alongside strong communication skills with the ability to build excellent working relationships and a customer-focused approach.
Why choose Braintree District Council?
Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the District located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community. Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, which is led by our employees, and are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Our people see the difference they make and how the work they do actively contributes to and encourages positive change in the local community.
We also offer some great benefits, including:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Flexible working
- Local Government Pension Scheme Defined Benefit Scheme
- Free Car Parking
- Learning and development for all staff
- Staff Discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff recognition schemes
- Extensive health and wellbeing programme, including discounted gym membership
Closing date for receipt of applications: Monday 7th September 2026. Interviews will take place during the week commencing 14th or 21st September 2026.
Please Note Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.
Accounting Assistant – Braintree District Council in Essex employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for Adults Social Workers, offering a community-focused work environment in the diverse areas of Colchester and Tendring. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Assistant – Braintree District Council in Essex
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We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Assistant – Braintree District Council in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Essex County Counci.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Essex County Counci.
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