Trainee Accountant – LGA Impact Finance Stream

Trainee Accountant – LGA Impact Finance Stream

Overview

Join the Finance Pathway of Impact – the local government graduate programme. Over four years you receive professional training and real work experience, preparing you for a career in public‑sector finance.

Program Structure

The programme is a four‑year fixed‑term contract with a council. You will rotate through budgeting, pensions, treasury, internal audit and financial management. Concurrently you study for the CIPFA Level 7 qualification and the Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ), leading to Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) status. Leadership development and networking opportunities are also provided.

How We Select

The selection process has four stages:

• Initial application with short online assessments
• Video interview with three timed questions
• Assessment centre – group exercise, presentation and written exercise
• Council interview (if successful in earlier stages)

All stages are based on our Skills and Behaviours Framework. Reasonable adjustments and extra support for under‑represented groups are provided.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Graduates of any degree subject and background
• Minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree (achieved or expected) by August 2026
• GCSE English and Maths grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent qualification
• Right to work in the UK for the full programme (no visa sponsorship)

Salary

Grade SO1 – PO3, £40,404 – £51,228 full‑time. Pay may vary per council.

Participating Councils (Cohort 3)

London Borough of Hackney, London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Islington, London Borough of Lewisham, London Borough of Enfield, Westminster City Council, City of London Corporation, London Borough of Waltham Forest, London Borough of Newham, London Borough of Hounslow, London Borough of Sutton, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London Borough of Wandsworth, London Borough of Barnet.

How To Apply

Apply through the online portal by completing a short form and initial assessments. Closing date: 12:00 pm, Tuesday 6th January 2026.

Key Dates for Cohort 3

• October 2025 – January 2026: Applications open
• Mid‑January 2026: Video interviews
• Mid‑February 2026: Assessment centres
• April – May 2026: Council interviews

Key Competencies (Skills & Behaviours Framework)

• Working with others – collaboration, respect, openness to challenge
• Effective communication – clarity, active listening, adaptation to audience
• Planning and organisation – workload management, prioritisation
• Results focus & adaptability – accountability, flexibility, positivity
• Analysis & interpretation – evidence‑based conclusions, linkages between sources
• Motivation for learning & resilience – continuous improvement, self‑care
• Commitment to public finance management – public service, financial stewardship
• Leadership potential – example setting, ownership, teamwork

Further Information & Contact

More details and application instructions: https://www.local.gov.uk/impact-local-government-graduate-programme-candidates/finance-scheme

Hackney Works provides employment support: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk.