At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to influence local authority decisions and gain hands-on finance experience.
- Company: Cambridgeshire County Council, a leader in public finance for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Comprehensive wellbeing package, flexible holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Gain Chartered Public Finance Accountant qualification in just 3.5 years.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while building a rewarding finance career.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree or higher in any discipline; no prior finance experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 € per year.
About the role
Established for over 30 years, the Cambridgeshire County Council Training Scheme offers graduates an extraordinary opportunity for a rewarding career in public finance and internal audit, allowing you to influence key local authority decisions that matter to communities. We are looking to recruit a number of enthusiastic and determined individuals to join our scheme, specialising in Financial Management. Successful applicants will have strong communication and analytical skills and be able to think creatively. You are not required to have any previous finance or accountancy experience.
Successful applicants will have, or will be expecting to achieve, a 2:1 degree or higher in any discipline and 3 Bs (or equivalent in UCAS points) at A-Level or equivalent recognised qualification. All trainees will study for the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification at the CIPFA Education Training Centre in London and at the end of the three and a half years qualify as a Chartered Public Finance Accountant. For the 2026 intake we have 2 vacancies on the Financial Management stream. Expected start date is early September 2026. The application process will take the form of an assessment centre to be held on 19 June 2026 followed by a final interview, to be held in June or July 2026. Closing date for applications 3 June 2026.
What will you be doing?
Over three and a half years, you will undertake different placements in Service Finance, Corporate Finance and Internal Audit, on a 12‑month rotation cycle. This gives you a breadth of experience across the whole council and teaches you a wide range of technical and managerial skills, so you can learn where your interests lie and have the ability to pursue a career in your chosen area. Each placement will provide you with real responsibility from the start. You will have a varied mix of monthly tasks and high‑level projects, supporting the needs of your CIPFA studies and your development as a public sector finance professional. Opportunities include:
- Supporting a selection of budget managers, including service managers and directors, providing professional financial advice to inform their decision making and maximise their service delivery
- Supporting services through budget setting and monitoring, and advising on resource allocation and savings proposals
- Working on projects to procure new services, from care home provision to our major highways contract
- Gaining knowledge of technical accounting and working across Public Sector organisations such as NHS Trusts and schools
- Developing, completing and reporting on your own Internal Audit assignments to analyse and improve the Council's control environment
About you
Successful applicants will have, or will be expecting to achieve, a 2:1 degree or higher in any discipline and 3 Bs (or equivalent in UCAS points) at A-Level or equivalent recognised qualification. Please include details of all these qualifications with the grades or predicted grades in your application as they are the essential criteria. Candidates should also demonstrate that they have the Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours detailed in the Person Specification PDF in the Supporting Statement section of their application. As this is a training role it is not eligible for visa sponsorship for candidates who do not already possess the Right to Work in the UK. Successful applicants must have the Right to Work for the entire duration of the programme (3.5 years).
Our benefits
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to the basics like annual leave, sick pay, pension and mileage:
- A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family
- Buy up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro‑rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme
- Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
- Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
- Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support your personal and professional growth
- Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
- Access to Peer Support Groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network
- Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards
- An Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in‑store and online discounts as well as our Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are a Disability Confident Leader. We provide reasonable adjustments during recruitment and offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet essential criteria.
Financial Management Associate employer: HFMA partnership
Cambridgeshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for graduates to embark on a fulfilling career in public finance and internal audit. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and a diverse work culture, you will gain invaluable experience through varied placements while studying for the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification. Our supportive environment encourages personal growth and community impact, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Management Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Cambridgeshire County Council and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses during the assessment centre and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since strong communication is key for this role, try to engage in conversations with friends or family about finance topics. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Prepare some examples from your studies or experiences where you've had to analyse data or solve problems. Being able to demonstrate your thought process will impress the assessors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about landing this fantastic opportunity in financial management.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Management Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:Make sure to highlight your degree and A-Level results in your application. We want to see that you've got the academic chops, so don’t forget to include those grades or predicted grades!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:This is your chance to shine! Use the Person Specification PDF as a guide and demonstrate how your experience, knowledge, skills, and behaviours align with what we're looking for. Be specific and show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Yourself:We’re looking for enthusiastic and determined individuals, so let your personality come through in your application. Don’t be afraid to show us your creative thinking and strong communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at HFMA partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of financial management and public finance. Brush up on key concepts and current trends in the sector. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your communication and analytical skills. Think of situations where you've had to solve problems creatively or work in a team. Relating these experiences to the responsibilities of the role will make you stand out.
✨Research the Council
Familiarise yourself with Cambridgeshire County Council's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your answers and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process or opportunities for growth within the council.
