At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Pension Fund with financial reporting and reconciliation tasks.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, a proud equal opportunities employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in finance while making a real impact on members' benefits.
- Qualifications: Must be studying for Level 4 AAT or equivalent qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30024 - 33699 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a Senior Accountancy Assistant on a permanent basis within the Pension Fund. This post is to provide dedicated direct financial support to the Durham County Council Pension Fund and will be based within the wider Pension Fund Team.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Our Finance team plays a vital role in effective management of the Pension Fund, ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting and supporting the long-term security of members’ benefits. Working within the Pension Finance function, you will have the opportunity to expand your professional expertise, apply financial processing and reconciliation skills, and support continuous improvement across the service. As a Senior Accountancy Assistant, you will gain exposure to a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:
- Maintaining the Pension Fund cashbook
- Ledger coding of bank transactions
- Completing key reconciliations
- Assisting with the closure of the Pension Fund accounts
- The provision of information to the Pension Fund actuary and internal/external audit
- Working closely with external stakeholders to resolve employer contribution queries
- Supporting and mentoring the Accountancy Assistant, to ensure financial transactions are coded accurately and promptly to the ledger
We are looking for someone with strong attention to detail, good organisational skills, and a willingness to learn and develop within a busy finance environment.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
To be actively studying for Level 4 of the Association of Accounting Technicians or NVQ Level 4 equivalent relevant qualification. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 31st August 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Senior Accountancy Assistant employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountancy Assistant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
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Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Kirklees Metropolitan Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountancy Assistant
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Kirklees Metropolitan Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Kirklees Metropolitan Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Kirklees Metropolitan Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
