Work for leading public sector employers while you study.
We have some great trainee and apprentice opportunities available throughout the year for motivated individuals who want to start a rewarding career in public finance and accountancy. You could be placed with a leading public sector employer on a three year fixed term contract with full sponsorship to complete the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA PQ).
Get in touch to find out more about our trainee and apprenticeship programmes.
CIPFA trainee and apprenticeship vacancies
Finance Graduate Trainee - Surrey County Council
Location: Woodhatch Place, Reigate
Salary: £27,991-39,246, with progression linked to exams
Number of vacancies: Two
Application closing date: 3 July 2022
Interview date: 18 July 2022
Starting date: Autumn 2022
Aimed at forward-thinking graduates who want to make a difference to local communities, the Finance Trainee programme at Surrey County Council provides you with a breadth of practical experience and support to study for a professional accountancy qualification, enabling you to develop into a senior leader of the future. It's a great time to join us, with an exciting financial improvement programme in place, a strong community vision for Surrey.
Key to ensuring we have the right financial capability, systems and processes for the future is the award-winning finance academy, a range of learning and development tools equipping finance staff and managers across the organisation with the skills to realise our goal of excellent financial management.
Key responsibilities
During your training programme you will be given opportunities to experience a range of work covering every aspect of financial management. You will:
- participate in the budget planning and financial processes for directorates and services
- be involved in the annual budget setting and closure of accounts processes
- use analytical skills and techniques to interpret financial and non-financial data to inform decision making
- contribute to the development of financial systems, processes and data quality
- provide support, advice and challenge to managers and staff across the organisation
- volunteer to participate in projects and working groups and share learning experiences
- be an active contributor to activities of the Finance team and the continuous improvement of financial management capabilities across the Council.
Entry requirements
- 2:1 undergraduate degree in any discipline, or demonstration of academic ability up to the standard of such degree
- GCSEs in Maths and English, grades A-C
Interview/assessment dates
The assessment centre will take place the week commencing 18 July 2022, at Woodhatch Place in Reigate. Final interviews will take place at the beginning of August.
How to apply
Graduate Accountant (Level 7 Apprentice) - Epping Forest District Council
Location: Civic Offices Epping/hybrid
Salary: £26,381 (with pay progression dependent on performance and progress in the CIPFA examinations)
Number of vacancies: One
Application closing date: 8 July 2022
Interview date: TBC (middle of July 2022)
Starting date: August 2022
Key responsibilities
Reporting to the Principal Accountant, working directly as part of a team of five, as well as the wider Corporate Finance Team, the successful candidate will be vital part of a team that delivers a first-class finance and accountancy service to its customers and meets all relevant professional, and nationally recognised, good practice standards.
The successful candidate will also be expected to study for, and successfully complete, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) examinations, for which full study support will be given, including a study time allowance of 20% (one day per week).
On the job training, as well as professional study, is an essential component to reaching the required professional standard over time. To this end, breadth of work experience is a key priority. The Graduate Accountant will therefore have detailed involvement in areas ranging from assisting the Council’s Treasury Management team and operating a range of control functions, including bank and feeder system reconciliations through to helping to prepare annual Statement of Accounts.
Entry requirements
- The successful candidate will hold a relevant degree in a Finance or Business-related subject.
- Some Finance-related experience would be desirable, but is not essential; above all, the successful candidate will demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm and commitment to a professional career in public finance.
- A genuine enthusiasm for transformation and excellence is also essential.
Benefits
The Council offers a range of benefits including a basic 28-days annual leave in addition to public holidays and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
All study and examination expenses will be met by the employer.
How to apply
If you believe you have what it takes to become a future leading Finance professional in a first-class Finance Team, then please forward an up-to-date copy of your CV and a covering letter to corpfinance@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
About Epping Forest District Council
Epping Forest District Council takes its name from the forest which runs from its southern boundary northwards. The district shares boundaries with Greater London and Hertfordshire.
The three main settlements of Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and Loughton contain more than half the population of approximately 131,000 people but occupy only 5% of the district. The remaining 95% is made up of separate market towns, villages and hamlets in attractive countryside; most of the district is protected as part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, with no less than 25 Designated Conservation Areas.
As well as its rural aspect, Epping Forest has excellent transport links, with the M25 and M11 motorways running through the district and central London is only 30 minutes away through direct access to the Central Line.
It is a great place where people enjoy living, working, learning and leisure.
The Council has ambitious plans, and a first-class Finance function is integral to the achievement of those plans. To this end, the Corporate Finance Team is undergoing transformational change, with an overwhelming commitment to customer service and a clear vision to achieve financial sustainability and excellence in all its forms.
Organisation culture/environment
The Council can offer an excellent working environment through its new “collaborative working” approach, which promotes remote working as well as on site working at our newly refurbished Civic Offices in Epping, which is a modern, high specification workspace.