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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations, bookkeeping, reporting, and assist non-financial managers.
- Company: Join Barking and Dagenham, a vibrant and rapidly growing London borough.
- Benefits: Gain AAT qualification while working, with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic finance team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 9-5 including English and Maths; AAT Level 2 or equivalent.
- Other info: Apprenticeship open to Barking & Dagenham residents; care leavers guaranteed an interview.
This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for a hardworking ambitious training Accountant to join our dynamic Finance Team. As an Accounting Technician, you will play a key role in supporting the financial operations in relation to financial compliance, budget setting, budget monitoring, year-end closure and audits for capital and revenue budgets. You will also provide expert financial guidance to non-financial managers helping them to navigate financial procedures with confidence.
Duties include:
- Bookkeeping and reconciliation: maintaining accurate financial records and ledgers.
- Financial reporting: preparing financial statements, budgets and forecasts.
- Undertake tasks in relation to the purchase to pay/payments to suppliers, invoicing customers and recovering debt in line with the Council’s policies and procedures.
- Complete statutory and legislative returns, statistics, freedom of information requests and grant claims.
- Support projects and business change programmes.
In addition to gaining practical experience of Local Government Finance and contributing to the overall delivery of effective and efficient Financial Services, you will study for the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional accountancy qualification. Either the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Standard at level 3 or Professional Accounting Technician Level 4 (subject to meeting the criteria). If you have a keen interest and commitment to pursue a career in Accounting, and to enroll on a study programme leading to the award of AAT qualification through the Council’s apprenticeship programme, then please apply to join our team.
Special requirements for this post
Must meet the entry requirements for AAT Level 3: minimum of 5 GCSE at grade 9 - 5 (A* - C) including English Language & Mathematics at grade 6 (B) & above. And either:
- AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or Bookkeeping (merit or distinction) or prior attainment of equivalent business, accounting or finance studies;
- Minimum of 3 A Levels at grade A* - C including a business-related subject e.g. accounting (AS level acceptable), economics or business;
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (business-related subject).
Note: Candidates that have already successfully completed AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (merit or distinction) will have the option to pursue AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
IMPORTANT: Apprenticeship opportunities advertised externally are for residents of London Borough of Barking & Dagenham only and care leavers of Barking and Dagenham will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria. Applicants must not already hold an equivalent qualification or higher in the advertised apprenticeship subject.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will be/ have:
- Understanding of bookkeeping or accounting;
- Driven and resilient, with the ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, have good attention to details and deal with challenging issues using one’s own initiative;
- Strong organisational skills to manage own time including balancing study and work commitments;
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, including experience in presenting financial information to a wide and diverse audience;
- Numerical competence and capacity to understand and simplify complex data and information;
- IT skills including the use of spreadsheets e.g. Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
About us
Barking and Dagenham is not just any borough—it’s a vibrant, culturally diverse community, and one of the fastest-growing areas in London. As the borough continues to evolve, we are committed to making it a place where people are proud to live, work, study, and stay. With rapid population growth and transformative change happening around us, there’s no better time to further your career in a place where you can truly make a difference. Our Finance team is at the heart of this transformation. We are expanding to ensure that finance is central to decision-making, helping the Council achieve financial sustainability and adapt to the challenges faced by local government. By joining us, you’ll be part of a proactive, innovative team that collaborates closely with key stakeholders to drive positive change across the borough. We offer a dynamic, fulfilling career path that promises diversity, excitement, and the opportunity to make a real impact.
Accounting Technician Apprentice employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Technician Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the AAT qualification requirements and ensure you meet the entry criteria. This will not only help you in your application but also show your commitment to pursuing a career in accounting.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain practical experience by volunteering or interning in finance-related roles. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of bookkeeping and financial reporting, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who work in local government. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights into the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully balanced multiple commitments, as this is crucial for the apprenticeship role.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Technician Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills related to accounting and finance. Emphasise any bookkeeping, financial reporting, or organisational skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your commitment to pursuing the AAT qualification and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the apprenticeship.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially those that meet the entry requirements for AAT Level 3. If you have completed any relevant courses or certifications, make sure to include them.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves presenting financial information, provide examples of your written and verbal communication skills. This could include any presentations you've done or reports you've written in previous roles or studies.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Show Your Understanding of Bookkeeping
Make sure to demonstrate your knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles during the interview. Be prepared to discuss any relevant coursework or experience you have, as well as how you can apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires balancing study and work commitments, share examples of how you've successfully managed your time in the past. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised and meet deadlines.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to provide guidance to non-financial managers. Use clear and concise language during the interview to showcase your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
Be ready to discuss your experience with spreadsheets and other financial software. If possible, mention specific projects where you've used these tools effectively, as this will show your readiness for the technical aspects of the role.
