Accounting Technician (qualified)

Fixed Term, 12 months

Full Time

Up to £28,546 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Closing Date: 16th May 2021

*This position will initially, in line with current government guidance be based from home, with an expectation of being home based for the foreseeable future. However, when government guidelines change the role may then revert to being office based, whilst retaining some flexible working options.

Job Purpose

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. It supports the efficient running of the Finance Hub and works effectively to meet customer requirements by ensuring information is delivered efficiently within agreed timeframes.

It requires the provision of high-quality advice, information, analysis and interpretation to finance colleagues to underpin effective decision making and meet financial governance requirements across the business. You will be expected to build strong relationships with finance colleagues and relevant stakeholders across the Council.

Accountabilities

You will 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.

Unqualified candidates will also be considered. For further details or to apply please visit https://www.workingforessex.com/apply/accounting-technician-(unqualified)-1543

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Full AAT qualification or equivalent, plus at least one year's experience as an Accounting Technician.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of working with financial management issues and find solutions.
• Experience of process and practice improvements within a finance setting.
• 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.

Benefits / Rewards

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on https://www.workingforessex.com/working-here/pay-reward/

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.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email or call us on 0333 013 5888. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 08:30 - 16:30.