Job profile

Stroud District Council is looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic graduate to join our outstanding finance team.

The four year scheme will involve undertaking the CIPFA level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship, training to become a qualified accountant. Further details can be found on CIPFAs website www.cipfa.org/.

The role offers incremental progression, dependent on exam success and demonstrating competency in meeting workplace criteria. The salary starts at STR3 £26,421, rising incrementally to STR6 £42,403, upon qualification with satisfactory workplace development and performance.

The successful applicant will gain experience working across the whole of the Council’s finance function, with a focus on corporate accounting. Opportunities include:

• Gaining knowledge of statutory reporting in local government
• Preparing core financial statements
• Supporting services through budget setting and budget monitoring
• Supporting budget holders and providing financial advice

Responsibilities:

 To undertake a development programme leading to CIPFA qualification (level 7) as part of an apprenticeship and actively participate in their own development plan agreed with their line manager and assessor

• Work across the finance function supporting the delivery of the Service Plan objectives
• Support the Councils financial planning, to include budget setting, budget monitoring and the Medium Term Financial Plan
• Assist in the preparation of the council’s Statement of Accounts, in accordance with the SORP, the working papers for External Audit and reporting to the Audit and Standards Committee and other forums as required
• Analyse, interpret and communicate financial and other information to enable managers to make effective business decisions
• Provide advice on how changes in legislation or practices will impact or provide opportunities to the Council
• Provide ad hoc specialist financial advice on technical areas eg VAT
• Assist with and prepare financial business cases and provide finance support to strategic projects
• Comply with standing orders and financial regulations of the Council, health and safety legislation and legal and statutory responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Educated to degree level
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 5 or above), or equivalent
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good knowledge in using computer systems including Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
• Attention to detail and a keen interest in finance
• Positive, enthusiastic, committed and flexible attitude towards work, team members, colleagues and other persons
• Self-motivated and organised
• Able to manage complex workloads effectively

This role is based at Ebley Mill (Council HQ) with potential for hybrid/flexible working.

For more information about this role please email lucy.clothier@stroud.gov.uk

To apply for this unique opportunity please click 'Apply Online'  below.

*INTERVIEW DATE Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November 2023*

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits please click here for more information :

 https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children.  Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies