AAT Level 4 Qualified Accounting Technician

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 day per month, with the remaining time allowing for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs.

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda – one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We’re immensely proud of our flexible working options. 

To read more about our business area, please visit: Corporate Services and Transformation

The Opportunity 

As part of the Financial Accounting team, you will report to the Deputy Chief Accountant and will coordinate and provide advice and interpretation to a team of high performing, customer facing, finance professionals to underpin effective decision making, promote compliance with best professional practice and ensure the highest standards of financial governance are achieved.   

The Accounting Technician (Financial Accounting) will promote adherence to the Council's accounting policies and financial procedure rules through the provision of advice to a team of finance professionals, by supporting delivery of the Council’s statutory financial reporting and the Council's treasury management function.  

The post holder is expected to build strong relationships with finance colleagues and with internal and external partners.  

Accountabilities 

• Provide timely and accurate advice to other finance professionals that is consistent with the Council's accounting policies and other financial procedure rules, and which promotes the achievement of best practice.
• Contribute to the provision of information, analysis, and advice to support the implementation of changes to accounting practice or other regulatory requirements.
• Build a strong understanding of all financial accounting and reporting systems and processes, ensuring clarity on financial systems and processes to maximise efficiency ensuring proper reconciliation and control procedures are in place.
• Contribute to the delivery of information to support the annual accounts closure programme (including the external audit of the accounts), or other statutory reporting requirements, in accordance with the agreed timetable.
• Contribute to ensuring compliance with the Council’s accounting policies, financial procedure rules and performance standards.
• Support the financial management of the Revenue Budget and help to ensure that appropriate links are in place between management and statutory financial reporting.
• Ensure that timely and accurate information is prepared to facilitate the delivery of an effective treasury management function.
• Contribute to ensuring the accurate completion of government returns, benchmarking, and other questionnaires.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Financial Professional Services annual plan and to the review of performance against that plan.  

The Experience You Will Bring 

• Full AAT Level 4 qualification or equivalent.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of financial accounting issues within an organisation.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Provision of practical advice to other finance professionals.
• Contributing to the development of financial systems (Oracle), internal controls and/or other processes.
• Financial planning and management within an organisation.
• Working proactively with colleagues across the finance function.
• Working in multi-disciplinary teams to achieve service outcomes.
• Ability to establish credibility with other finance professionals and other stakeholders, including the Council’s External Auditor or other external inspectors.  

Why Essex? 

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email daniel.warner@essex.gov.uk

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