AAT 4 Qualified Accounting Technician in Chelmsford

Fixed Term, Full Time £28,090 to £33,047 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: Thursday 29th January 2026 at 11.59pm

Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment opportunity for a period of 24 months. This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford, 1 - 2 days per month, with the remaining time allowing for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation's need.

The Opportunity

This role will contribute to the delivery of a high performing, customer focused service. The Accounting Technician will deliver all aspects of financial management information to both the members of the management accounting team and budget holders to ensure quality of information is provided to stakeholders. It supports the efficient running of the Finance Hub and works effectively to meet customer requirements by ensuring information is delivered efficiently within agreed timeframes. It requires the provision of high-quality advice, information, analysis and interpretation to finance colleagues to underpin effective decision making and meet financial governance requirements across the business. Either partly or fully qualified this role is expected to build strong relationships with finance colleagues and relevant stakeholders across the Council.

Accountabilities

• Provide timely, accurate information and advice to budget holders to ensure they allow effective management of budgets, support the development of financial plans, and assist them in carrying out their financial duties.
• As an AAT qualified Accounting Technician, you will be expected to manage higher risk, more volatile services that may involve a number of complex levels of service activity, multiple external funding streams, and/or external partnership arrangements.
• Undertake some analysis of financial and performance data and provide financial advice.
• Develop some understanding of unit costs and drivers in order to assess variances in a robust manner.
• Build a strong understanding of all financial management and reporting systems and processes, ensuring clarity on financial systems and processes to maximise efficiency ensuring proper reconciliation and control procedures are in place.
• Deliver accurate financial estimates, forecasts and plans ensuring all identified risks are quantified and appropriately recorded.
• Support the financial management of the Capital Programme for colleagues.
• Support the timely delivery and preparation of information for business case submissions from a financial perspective, quality assuring the information provided.
• Deliver information to support the annual accounts closure programme as requested and in accordance with the agreed timetable.

Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Full AAT qualification or equivalent, plus some current / recent experience as an Accounting Technician or similar role.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional areas.
• Experience of working with financial management issues and finding solutions.
• Experience of process and practice improvements within a finance setting.
• Experience of providing financial advice, challenges, and support to budget holders.
• Working with a range of financial systems and processes and supporting their development.
• Ability to establish credibility with budget holders, finance colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone’s Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.