Trainee Assistant Accountant/Accounts Assistant-Revenue/Capital

Job Title: Trainee Assistant Accountant (Revenue & Capital)

Location: Chichester

Salary: £18,070 to £22,658 p.a.

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37 per week

Closing Date: 23rd June 2017

An exciting opportunity exists within the council for an enthusiastic and organised person to join the Accountancy team. This is an ideal position for a person wishing to pursue a career in accountancy and willing to obtain professional qualifications.

Job Role:

This post will be responsible for supporting a wide range of accountancy work. This includes assisting with budget preparation and monitoring, end of year accounts, reconciliations, completion of statistical returns, grant claims, and the provision of financial advice and information to all levels of management.

• The purpose of the post is to provide high quality financial and management accountancy services to the Council's senior officers and service managers, in accordance with proper accounting practice and Council policies.
• The post holder will assist the Group Accountant (Revenue and Capital) to deliver the budget process, prepare the statutory financial statements, maintain the Council's financial ledger system, and provide high quality financial advice and management information.
• The post holder will undertake the main control reconciliations for the different systems and the bank reconciliation for the General Fund and Creditor Accounts.
• To administer the receipt of grant funding applications.

Key Responsibilities:

The post will be responsible for the following activities under the overall direction of the Group Accountant:

• To advise and support managers in the financial management of their activities.
• To support the managers responsible for the preparation of revenue and capital budgets and advise on the budget process, the budgetary control arrangements and processes.
• To support the accountable managers in the preparation of the annual accounts and periodic corporate monitoring statements.
• To assist with the compilation of quarterly budget monitoring reports for Senior Officers & members using the monthly variation information prepared by the responsible budget managers.
• Responsible for the reconciliation of the Council's Treasury activities to the financial ledger system for approval by the Group Accountant.
• Responsible for the population of financial monitoring data into the Council's project management system (Covalent).
• Assist with the allocation of recharges to services in accordance with professional codes of practice.
• To investigate budget variations under the direction of the Accountants.
• Monitor all grants payments made against grant approvals
• To reconcile the staff transport schemes and car loans as necessary.

The Candidate:

The successful candidate must be able to work methodically, be reliable and accurate in their work, with the ability to prioritise in order to meet regular deadlines. Possessing good numerical skills and having knowledge of using spreadsheets in addition to a basic understanding of accounting principles are essential competencies for this role.

You will possess 'A' level qualifications, and hold GCSE grade A-C for Maths and English or equivalent. You will also be expected to study for the AAT qualification with training support from the Council.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Education and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of spreadsheets and general ledger systems
• At least 1 year's relevant experience within a busy accounting / office environment.
• A levels and hold GCSE grade A - C for Maths & English, or equivalent
• Will study for the AAT qualification

Desirable Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Education and Qualifications:

• Equipped with a good standard of accountancy and costing skills.
• Knowledge of CIVICA financial system.
• Local government experience
• Actively studying for a recognised accountancy qualification i.e. AAT or equivalent

Please click the APPLY button and CHECK YOUR EMAILS for the link to the application portal.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Accountant, Accounts Assistant, Assistant Management Accountant, Accounts Clerk, Bookkeeper, Credit Controller, Finance Assistant, Purchase Ledger, Management Accountant, Assistant Accountant, Management Accountancy, ACA, Financial Administrator, Finance Support, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, Credit Control, Foreign Exchange, Cash Flow Reporting, Sales Ledger Maintenance will also be considered for this role.