Graduate Trainee Accountant

About The Role

The Graduate Trainee Accountant position offers a comprehensive platform for budding finance professionals to advance toward roles as finance managers and leaders. Candidates will undertake the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification (PAQ) while gaining practical experience through rotations in key areas of the Strategic Finance Function. Responsibilities include work in financial control, financial planning, and year-end closedown processes, all within a supportive and encouraging environment. The position is career-graded, starting at Grade 8, with potential progression up to Grade 10 upon successful completion of PAQ exams and demonstration of necessary competencies in various rotations. Support throughout the training process is provided by a dedicated Training Manager.

About You

Applicants should hold or be pursuing an Honours degree with a minimum 2:1 classification or an NVQ level 6 in a relevant discipline.

Essential abilities must be demonstrated through examples and include:

• Adapting communication style to diverse audiences while maintaining consistent messaging and managing workload prioritization effectively.
• Proactively initiating problem-solving actions and applying new ideas within assigned responsibilities.
• Encouraging colleagues to seek process improvements and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborating within teams while clarifying individual contributions to overall success and adapting flexibly to changing demands.
• Exercising proficient IT capabilities using software such as Microsoft Word and Excel in a professional context.

Desirable competencies include:

• Experience in financial activities such as cash handling, transaction recording, and managing income and expenditure accounts.
• Awareness of recent developments in Local Government and Public Sector finance, specifically relating to Leicestershire County Council.
• Ability to analyze and apply financial information to decision-making and risk management.
• Skills in gaining team commitment for change and acceptance of new initiatives.
• Utilizing customer feedback and consultations to enhance service delivery.

Flexible Working Options

The employer welcomes discussions on flexible working arrangements, potentially including part-time roles, job sharing, term-time schedules, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working setups based on role and service needs.

Application Process

Leicestershire County Council is committed to inclusive recruitment practices valuing talent from diverse backgrounds beyond just qualifications. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications accompanied by a supporting statement detailing how they meet the outlined criteria under the “About You” section. Early applications are recommended as the vacancy may close sooner upon receiving enough suitable candidates.

For any application assistance or alternative application formats, candidates should contact the Employee Service Centre. Submitting an application implies agreement with the organization's Terms and Conditions.