At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial systems improvements and support finance teams with expert advice.
- Company: Join West Yorkshire Police's Finance Systems Integrity Team for a meaningful career.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on policing services while developing your expertise in finance systems.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 4 and strong analytical skills required; finance systems experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 41487 - 44700 £ per year.
We are seeking a Lead Assistant Accountant to join our Financial Systems Integrity Team. This role is suited to a technically minded professional with proven experience in automation, process improvement, and finance-related projects. The successful candidate will be solutions-focused, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a specialist team. They will demonstrate strong capability in managing complex financial systems and data with a high degree of accuracy, control, and assurance.
You will lead on improving system integrity, automation, and reporting, providing support to Finance and Accounting teams across the Force. You will act as a subject matter expert, ensuring data quality, maintaining system security, and delivering reliable management information to support informed decision-making. As a member of the Systems Integrity Team, this key senior position sits within West Yorkshire Police’s Finance Directorate, part of the Business Development team. The role plays a vital part in optimising and developing the financial systems that underpin policing services across West Yorkshire. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with relevant experience to take on a position with real responsibility, influence, and purpose within a public service environment.
Essential Criteria
- AAT Level 4 qualification with substantial post-qualification experience working within finance teams (experience within a finance systems team is desirable but not essential)
- Strong working knowledge of financial processes, controls, and procedures
- Advanced skills in spreadsheet and database management
- Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities
Desirable Criteria
- Experience using Sun Accounts and/or Proactis Spend Control
Role and Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of data quality, management information, and analytics activity across the Directorate
- Provide expert advice, guidance, and technical support to financial system users
- Design and deliver financial systems training to enhance user capability and confidence
- Develop, enhance, and maintain financial systems, processes, and reporting outputs
- Support the ongoing development of Force-wide finance systems, ensuring effective integration with other platforms
- Analyse and monitor system inputs and outputs to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with financial controls and policies
- Oversee supplier payment processing and support debt recovery activity
- Act as a subject matter expert for system access, master data management, and workflow configuration
- Support system upgrades, testing, and implementations, including data mapping, cleansing, and reconciliation
- Mentor and support Assistant Accountants and Apprentice Accounting Technicians, contributing to their development
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with external consultants and digital policing specialists
There may be occasional requirements to work flexibly within the 7am–7pm flexi bandwidth to support essential operational needs.
Expectations
- Communicate confidently and effectively with finance colleagues, system users, and senior stakeholders
- Apply strong analytical skills to identify issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Investigate, diagnose, and resolve complex system and data anomalies
- Manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within deadlines
- Work collaboratively while providing leadership, guidance, and technical expertise within the team
Benefits / What We Offer
- Access to Project Management training and development opportunities, where required, to support your ongoing professional growth.
- The opportunity to develop specialist expertise within financial systems and process improvement in a public service environment.
- Generous annual leave allowance - 29 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after five years of service (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements to help you manage your professional and personal commitments
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, a secure Defined Benefit CARE (Career Average Revalued Earnings) pension scheme
- Membership options for the Police Treatment Centre and The Police Children’s Charity (eligibility-dependent)
- Access to savings, discounts and cashback rewards through staff schemes, including eligibility to purchase a Blue Light Card
- Option to sign up to our Cycle to work scheme (eligibility-dependent)
- Access to a wide range of internal wellbeing services and support programmes
- Opportunities for career development and training
- Supportive HR policies, including maternity, paternity and other family-friendly provisions
- A meaningful career with a clear sense of purpose supporting policing services that protect communities
- Opportunities to join staff networks, wellbeing groups, and sports clubs
How to Apply
Join us in strengthening the financial systems that support vital policing services across West Yorkshire. This is a senior opportunity to make a meaningful impact while continuing to develop your professional career.
Closing date: 2nd July 2026 at 23:55 hours
Interviews: Week Commencing 20th July 2026
The successful candidate will be subject to personal and financial vetting checks prior to appointment.
Assistant Accountant in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Police
West Yorkshire Police offers an exceptional work environment for the Lead Assistant Accountant role, characterised by a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive culture. With generous annual leave, flexible working options, and access to professional training, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful public service. The opportunity to work within a dedicated team focused on optimising financial systems ensures that your expertise will have a direct impact on the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in finance and accounting, especially those who work with financial systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves financial systems, be ready to discuss your experience with automation and process improvement. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities during interviews. Think of examples where you've tackled complex issues in financial systems. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with financial systems and process improvement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role is all about finance systems, be sure to emphasise your advanced spreadsheet and database management skills. If you've worked with tools like Sun Accounts or Proactis Spend Control, let us know – it could give you an edge!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the job. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Police
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial processes and controls. Be ready to discuss your experience with financial systems, especially any automation or process improvements you've implemented. This will show that you understand the technical side of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used your analytical skills to solve complex problems in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you identified issues and implemented solutions, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves liaising with finance colleagues and senior stakeholders, being able to communicate complex information simply will be key to your success.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Even if you're not in a formal leadership role, think of times when you've mentored others or taken the initiative in team projects. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can lead and support your future colleagues effectively.
