At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Council’s finances and ensure accurate management of public funds.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local government team dedicated to transparency and integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a culture of inclusivity and growth with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public finance while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or equivalent with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role
Join our Finance team as an Accounting Technician and play a key role in supporting the effective management of the Council’s finances. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented professional to contribute to the delivery of high-quality accountancy services, ensuring public funds are managed with accuracy, integrity, and transparency. Working closely with the Group Accountant and wider stakeholders, you will help maintain robust financial systems and controls, provide valuable financial insights, and support informed decision-making across the organisation.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the financial management of services and responsibilities as directed, ensuring that the Council’s regulations are adhered to.
- Co‑ordinate all input to and output from the Council’s financial information systems, ensuring their maximum utilisation.
- Assist in the training and guidance of team members and stakeholders as allocated to ensure achievement of high levels of performance and awareness.
- Prepare reports and briefing notes for Senior Management as directed.
- Assist in the preparation of statistical information and the completion of financial returns.
- Assist in the operation and maintenance of the Council’s financial information systems and controls, ensuring maximum utilisation.
- Represent the Accountant at meetings as required and provide professional financial advice and relevant, accurate and timely information to assist the strategic planning process and operational management.
- Ensure that all work carried out within the post holder’s areas of responsibility is performed in accordance with the Council’s Health and Safety policy.
Qualifications
- Grade F – AAT Qualified or equivalent (NVQ Level 4).
- Grade G – Relevant post qualification experience with relevant CPD accreditation.
- Relevant experience or knowledge in financial management, audit, risk management or corporate governance, with a strong understanding of how these support effective public sector finance.
- Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to a range of audiences.
- A self‑motivated and organised approach, able to manage your own workload, prioritise effectively, and work independently when needed.
- Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and consistently deliver high‑quality work to tight deadlines.
- Strong relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of internal teams and external partners.
- Digital confidence, including a good working knowledge of financial systems and Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word and email applications.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future.
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs).
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions after 12 months service.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases after 6 months service.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Accounting Technician in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Join our Finance team as an Accounting Technician and experience a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the effective management of public finances. Our commitment to training and development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to advance your career in a collaborative environment that values integrity and transparency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Technician in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for an Accounting Technician role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and the specific systems mentioned in the job description. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your digital skills! Make sure you're comfortable with financial software and Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel. Consider creating a portfolio of your work or projects that highlight your expertise in these areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Technician in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in financial management and accountancy. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Accounting Technician, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your digital confidence and familiarity with financial systems, especially Microsoft Office tools like Excel. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these tools in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, especially when it comes to financial information.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, it’s super simple!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss key concepts related to public sector finance. Familiarise yourself with the Council’s regulations and how they impact financial management, as this will show your commitment to accuracy and integrity.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to explain complex financial information in simple terms. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role and will demonstrate your clear and confident communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks effectively. Share specific examples of how you've handled tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, showcasing your self-motivation and organisational abilities.
✨Build Relationships
Think about times when you've collaborated with different teams or external partners. Highlight your relationship-building skills and how they contributed to achieving high levels of performance, as this is essential for working closely with the Group Accountant and other stakeholders.
