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- Tasks: Join our Finance Team as a Trainee Accountant, handling journal entries and month-end reconciliations.
- Company: We’re the Pension Protection Fund, safeguarding millions of UK pension scheme members.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, personal development opportunities, and support for your professional qualification.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your accounting skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates are studying towards ACCA, CIMA or equivalent with finance experience.
- Other info: Our Croydon office is easily accessible, and we promote diversity and flexible working.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28800 £ per year.
We’re the Pension Protection Fund. We protect millions of people in the UK who belong to defined benefit pension schemes. When these schemes fail, we’re ready to help. We do this by paying our members, by charging a levy and by investing sustainably. Our work has a real impact on people’s lives, so we strive to do it well, with integrity and their future in mind.
We’re delighted to announce that we have a great opportunity for a Trainee Accountant to join our Finance Team. This position will contribute towards:
- General ledger journal entries
- Month end close reconciliations
- Variance analysis
- Cash management transactions
- Monthly reporting
- Taking ownership of the Fixed Asset Ledger
This is an opportunity for an individual to learn and develop within the role whilst providing support to the team around them. We are looking for an individual that has started their career within accounting and finance and is looking for a position where they develop their skills whilst studying towards being a fully qualified accountant.
Our ideal applicant will be at the early stages of study towards a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). They will be able to demonstrate recent experience from within a finance or accounting setting and are looking to complete their studies. Good IT skills are required for this position, including Excel (to include Pivot Tables and Lookups) and use of accounting software (such as SAP, SAGE, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics etc.). Knowledge of general ledger accounting and balance sheet reconciliations is essential.
Within this position, you will be supported with your continued study towards your professional qualification. In return for your skills, experience and commitment we’ll give you a challenging role within a business where you’ll get the support you need to develop your career. We’ll also give you lots of opportunities for personal development and skills training.
Our Croydon office is just across the road from East Croydon station, which is around 15 minutes from Victoria or London Bridge, 10 minutes from Clapham Junction or half an hour from St Pancras. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, the highest accreditation under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this role you will be guaranteed an interview. We embrace diverse talent welcoming people with different beliefs, backgrounds and ways of working. Whatever your background, and however you identify, you’ll be welcome here. We’re happy to talk about flexible working. No agencies please.
Trainee Accountant employer: Pension Protection Fund
Contact Detail:
Pension Protection Fund Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific accounting software mentioned in the job description, such as SAP or SAGE. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you a significant edge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly with Pivot Tables and Lookups. You might be asked to demonstrate your proficiency, so practice using these functions in real-world scenarios to showcase your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Pension Protection Fund and understand its mission and impact. Being able to discuss how your values align with theirs during the interview will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of the Pension Protection Fund on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and the role, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance or accounting. Include any coursework or projects related to general ledger accounting, balance sheet reconciliations, and the use of accounting software like SAP or SAGE.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the Trainee Accountant position. Mention your commitment to pursuing a professional qualification (like ACCA or CIMA) and how this role aligns with your career goals.
Highlight IT Skills: Since good IT skills are essential for this role, be sure to mention your proficiency in Excel, especially with Pivot Tables and Lookups. If you have experience with specific accounting software, include that as well.
Showcase Your Learning Mindset: Emphasise your eagerness to learn and develop within the role. Mention any previous experiences where you took initiative in your studies or work, demonstrating your commitment to personal and professional growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pension Protection Fund
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trainee Accountant, it's crucial to brush up on your accounting principles and financial terminology. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of general ledger accounting and balance sheet reconciliations, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Make sure to highlight your proficiency in Excel and any accounting software you've used, such as SAP or SAGE. You might be asked to demonstrate your skills, so be ready to talk about how you've used Pivot Tables and Lookups in past experiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Learning
Since this role supports your journey towards professional qualifications like ACCA or CIMA, express your enthusiasm for continuous learning. Share any relevant courses or study plans you have in place to show that you're serious about your career development.
✨Prepare Questions About the Company
Research the Pension Protection Fund and its mission. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
