Assistant Accountant in Wakefield

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.