Accounting Technician (AAT Qualified)

Accounting Technician (AAT Qualified)

Permanent, Full Time

Up to £32,047 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford, 1 -2 days per month, with the remaining time allowing for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation's need.

Interviews are likely to take place on the week commencing the 3rd June 2024 and will be conducted virtually using MS Teams.

This role will contribute to the delivery of a high performing, customer focused service. The Accounting Technician will deliver all aspects of financial management information to both the members of the management accounting team and budget holders to ensure quality of information is provided to stakeholders. The role supports the efficient running of the Finance Hub and works effectively to meet customer requirements by ensuring information is delivered efficiently within agreed timeframes.

The role provides high quality advice, information, analysis and interpretation to finance colleagues to underpin effective decision making and meet financial governance requirements across the business.

This role is expected to build strong relationships with finance colleagues and relevant stakeholders across the Council.

Accountabilities

• Provide timely, accurate information and advice to budget holders to ensure they allow effective management of budgets, support the development of financial plans and assist them in carrying out their financial duties.
• As an Accounting Technician, you will be expected to support the Finance Hub and deal with low and medium level budget holder queries.
• As an AAT qualified Accounting Technician, you will be expected to manage higher risk, more volatile services that may involve a number of complex levels of service activity, multiple external funding streams and/or external partnership arrangements. You will be capable of dealing independently with more complex areas of work either within the Hub, as a Finance Contact to a Head of Service or on projects directed by your Line Manager.
• Undertake some analysis of financial and performance data, and provide financial advice. In addition, develop some understanding of unit costs and drivers in order to assess variances in a robust manner.
• Build a strong understanding of all financial management and reporting systems and processes, ensuring clarity on financial systems and processes to maximise efficiency ensuring proper reconciliation and control procedures are in place.
• Deliver accurate financial estimates, forecasts and plans ensuring all identified risks are quantified and appropriately recorded.
• Support the financial management of the Capital Programme for colleagues. As an AAT qualified Accounting Technician you will be expected to be a Finance contact to Capital Projects as directed by your Line Manager
• Support the timely delivery and preparation of information for business case submissions from a financial perspective, quality assuring the information provided.
• Deliver information to support the annual accounts closure programme as requested and in accordance with the agreed timetable.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential:

• Full AAT qualification or equivalent accountancy based professional qualification, plus some experience as an Accounting Technician.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of working with financial management issues and finding solutions.
• Experience of process and practice improvements within a finance setting.

Desirable:

• Experience of providing financial advice, challenge and support to budget holders
• Working with a range of financial systems and processes and supporting their development.
• Working proactively with colleagues within the Finance Hub and across the finance function.
• Ability to establish credibility with budget holders, finance colleagues and other stakeholders.