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- Tasks: Join our finance team as a Trainee Accountant and support financial management tasks.
- Company: We are a supportive organisation committed to diversity and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible bank holidays, and access to discounts and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in public sector finance while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 3 GCSEs and 2 A Levels (including Maths and English) required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
This is a permanent role and is 37 hours per week
Apply fast, check the full description by scrolling below to find out the full requirements for this role.
All about the Role
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Trainee Accountant to join our finance team. In this role, you will train to become a fully qualified accountant member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
You will provide financial business support in a developing role, including assisting in the production of management accounts, budgeting, final accounts, treasury management, and capital projects and will assist wider teams across the organisation. Your responsibilities will include:
Financial Management: Supporting budget holders, providing analysis and advice, and preparing clear and detailed financial reports for monitoring expenditure and forecasting future requirements.
Accounting Records: Helping to maintain the completeness and accuracy of the council\’s accounting records in line with best professional practices.
Grant Claims: Assisting in the production of grant claims.
Income Recording: Ensuring that income received is correctly recorded in the accounts with the appropriate VAT code, and taking corrective action when necessary.
Closure of Accounts: Supporting the closure of accounts, including preparing working papers and financial information.
Capital Accounting: Supporting capital accounting tasks, including monitoring external capital funding and capital receipt income.
Treasury Management: Assisting with treasury management activities, such as cash flow monitoring, interest rate tracking, and loan administration.
Specialist Project work: Assisting with the council\’s preparations for Local Government Reorganisation
Our supportive and collaborative team will give you a great opportunity to develop your finance skills in a professional environment
All about You
You meet the entry level for CIPFA training, holding a minimum of 3 GCSEs, and 2 A Levels, at grades A-C (or grades 4 and up), or accepted equivalent (subjects must include Maths and English)
You have experience of using office applications such as Excel, and ideally have used financial management systems
You are self-motivated with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
You are a team player who is eager to learn and develop in public sector finance
All about our Benefits
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme…
Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)
Access to car lease scheme
Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth
Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network
Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards
All about our Commitments
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.
We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact (url removed) we will work with you to meet your needs
Trainee Accountant - CIPFA employer: Peterborough City Council
Contact Detail:
Peterborough City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Accountant - CIPFA
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the CIPFA framework and its requirements. Understanding the expectations of a Trainee Accountant within the public finance sector will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to learn during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, as proficiency in this software is crucial for the role. Consider taking an online course or using tutorials to enhance your ability to analyse financial data effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who are already working in public finance. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how you would handle real-life scenarios related to financial management and accounting tasks. This will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Accountant - CIPFA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trainee Accountant position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what the company is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences relevant to the role. Emphasise your educational background, particularly your GCSEs and A Levels, and any experience with financial management systems or office applications like Excel.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and your eagerness to learn in public sector finance. Mention specific examples of your attention to detail and teamwork skills, as these are crucial for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professional, reflecting your high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peterborough City Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trainee Accountant, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of financial concepts. Brush up on key accounting principles and be prepared to discuss how they apply to the role. Familiarise yourself with terms like budgeting, treasury management, and capital accounting.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since experience with office applications, particularly Excel, is essential for this role, be ready to talk about your proficiency. Consider mentioning any specific functions or tools you've used in past experiences that relate to financial management.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Learning
This position requires a collaborative spirit and a willingness to learn. Prepare examples from your past where you worked effectively in a team or took the initiative to learn something new, especially in a finance context.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the finance team, and the organisation's approach to public sector finance. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
