At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations and manage resources in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join Ofwat, the regulator for the water sector in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of water and public sector accounting.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or finance degree, with strong Excel and accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
Join Ofwat’s Finance Team as an Assistant Accountant. This is a Fixed Term Appointment running until 31st December 2027.
Office Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working.
About Us
We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. The water sector is entering a new chapter. Following the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report and subsequent White Paper - 'New Vision for Water', the UK government has set out a bold new direction - one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. Ofwat is working in collaboration with the government and other regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. We’re also continuing to engage with the Welsh Government to support future decisions for Wales. While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.
The Role
The Assistant Accountant role is varied and involves providing essential support in financial operations and assisting in the effective management of financial resources. This role will report into the Financial Accountant and will work with other team members to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency in financial activities. As an Assistant Accountant, you will predominantly support the financial control and accounting functions including purchase ledger; sales ledger; capital and fixed assets; staff expenses; reconciliations; VAT and tax; government data returns; maintenance of the Oracle finance system; internal and external audit; and the production of the Annual Report & Accounts. You will also develop collaborative relationships with key stakeholders e.g. Finance Business Partners, Internal and External Auditors, and HM Treasury. This opportunity will be particularly interesting to candidates with an interest in government and public sector accounting.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Lead criterion 1: Proven experience in a financial accounting environment, with a solid understanding of core accounting principles and their application in month-end reporting and reconciliation tasks.
- Lead criterion 2: Proficient Excel skills including V-lookups and pivot tables, with the ability to analyse and present data with attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
- Proven capability in reconciling balance sheet accounts using data from ERP financial systems, with a focus on maintaining precise and reliable records while ensuring full compliance with financial policies and audit standards.
- Qualified to AAT or equivalent e.g. finance/accounting university degree.
- Familiarity with financial software and ERP systems used for financial reporting and ledger management e.g. Oracle Fusion, including system administration.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly and confidently to various audiences and putting complex financial issues into layman's terms for non-specialist audiences.
- Experience of supporting the preparation of financial statements and audit requirements, with a proven ability to improve finance processes and strengthen financial controls.
Why You Should Join Us
- People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do - we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
- Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture built on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
- Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in-person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
- Good employer pension contributions.
- 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
- Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
- Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
- Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Closing date: 23.55 on 6th September 2026.
Assistant Accountant in Birmingham employer: Ofwat
OFWAT is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous parental leave, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the regulatory landscape of Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Birmingham
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Ofwat.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Ofwat might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Ofwat will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Ofwat. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Ofwat confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Ofwat.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Ofwat that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
