At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team and gain hands-on experience in finance while studying for a professional qualification.
- Company: Essex County Council, a leading local authority with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Supportive environment with mentorship and diverse employee networks.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real impact on local communities and professional growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree expected by Summer 2026 and strong numeracy skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28090 - 33047 € per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£28,090 to £33,047 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
About Us
Are you a Graduate, or will be graduating in 2026? Do you have an interest in Finance and looking to start a career in this sector? Would you like to become a crucial part of a friendly and high achieving team? This could be the opportunity you are looking for! This is a permanent role. If a suitable opportunity is not available upon qualification you will continue to rotate to different Finance teams to build on your experience.
The apprenticeship is expected to start by September 2026. The scheme involves targeted placements across different Finance Teams, gaining a broad base of financial experience, whilst studying for the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship, which leads to the CIPFA professional qualification and CPFA designation. This is the key qualification for anyone pursuing a career in public finance.
Benefits
- Competitive starting salary with incremental salary increases.
- Healthy work life balance; flexible and hybrid working options.
- Flexible working (location and time) as standard so that you can achieve the right work/life balance.
- Wide range of learning and development opportunities.
- IT equipment and home-working equipment supplied.
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + ability to buy further annual leave days should you wish to (subject to approval).
- Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme.
- Access to hundreds of discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards.
- Access to our health and wellbeing support platform with Vita Health Group.
- Up to 4 days per annum volunteering leave.
- Full training & Level 7 CIPFA professional qualification paid for.
- Professional memberships (CPFA designation) and expenses paid for.
In addition
- A mentor/study buddy to guide you through the scheme and your studies.
- Employee support networks, to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
- The opportunity to contribute to the Essex community and be proud of the impact of your work.
The Role
Essex County Council has a turnover of over £2 billion, a £900 million supply chain and over a million transactions a year. We are responsible for the financial administration of these substantial budgets, and we do so with a strong customer focused approach in an increasingly complex supplier and market landscape. As a Finance Graduate Trainee, you will join our graduate programme, which will equip you with a broad range of skills and tailored experiences, leading to the CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) accountancy qualification and a fantastic platform to grow your finance career with a clear path to the most senior roles in the public sector.
What will you be doing?
- Building a strong understanding of all financial management and reporting systems and processes.
- Developing a detailed knowledge of the Council's accounting policies, financial procedure rules, performance standards and working practices.
- Contributing to the coordination of the delivery of information to support the annual accounts closure programme.
- Ensuring that the integrity of financial systems and accounting processes are maintained.
- Supporting the financial management of the Revenue Budget and Capital Programme.
- Ensuring that timely and accurate information is prepared to facilitate the delivery of an effective treasury management function.
- Undertaking analysis of financial and performance data and providing financial advice.
- Building strong working relationships with finance colleagues and internal and external stakeholders.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Ideally, we are seeking applicants with a degree in a discipline with a strong numeracy and/or analytical bias.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others to successfully achieve tasks and deliver results.
- Willing to assist in developing solutions to tackle problems and achieving outcomes.
- Working knowledge and understanding of Microsoft office packages.
- Willing to study toward CIPFA professional qualification and CPFA designation.
Essential Requirements for the role
- Educated to RQF Level 6 (or expecting to graduate by Summer 2026) with a 2:2 in any subject AND A minimum of two A-Levels Grade A-C (or equivalent) AND Three GCSEs Grade A-C (4 and up) including English & Maths (or international equivalent).
Please note that any offer made is conditional to you being able to provide all your qualification certificates. Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
Graduate Finance Trainee in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for aspiring finance professionals, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive training leading to the prestigious CIPFA qualification, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join a team that values diversity, collaboration, and the well-being of its employees, all while contributing to vital public finance initiatives in Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Finance Trainee in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni from your university or connect with professionals in the finance sector on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common finance questions and scenarios. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for finance! During interviews, share your experiences, projects, or coursework that highlight your interest and skills in the field. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Finance Trainee in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate Finance Trainee role. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or experiences that showcase your interest in finance and your analytical skills. We want to see how you fit into our friendly and high-achieving team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for finance and why you want to join us at Essex County Council. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love seeing applicants who are excited about making an impact.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention your skills with Microsoft Office and any other relevant tools. We’re looking for candidates who can communicate effectively and work cooperatively, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge! Familiarise yourself with basic finance concepts and terms that are relevant to the role. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Research the Council
Dive into Essex County Council's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their goals and how they impact the community will allow you to tailor your answers and demonstrate how you can contribute to their objectives.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Think about what you want to learn about the team or the training opportunities.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Practising common interview questions will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Focus on your experiences and how they relate to the skills required for the Graduate Finance Trainee position.
