Accounting Assistant

Colchester Borough Council; Braintree; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Colchester Borough Council is seeking an Accounting Assistant to join the Financial Services team. The role supports across the finance function, delivering accurate financial reporting and ensuring compliance with procedures.

You will assist with budget monitoring, provide analysis, and contribute to final accounts, year end processes and audits. Strong numeracy and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong numeracy and attention to detail.
• Experience with financial systems and MS Office.
• Ability to interpret financial information and work to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with budget monitoring, advice and analysis.
• Contribute to final accounts, year end processes and audit requirements.
• Support accounts payable and corporate finance including payment processing and financial monitoring.
• Advise and support employees and managers.

Skills

Numeracy

Attention to detail

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

AAT qualification (part/full)

Tools

Financial systems

Spreadsheets

Microsoft Office

Job description

credit_card Salary £26,622 up to £35,721 per annum. Salary dependent on qualification and experience

Job details

Salary £26,622 up to £35,721 per annum. Salary dependent on qualification and experience

Contractual hours 37

Basis Full time

Job category/type Permanent - Full Time

Date posted 20/08/2026

Job reference BREQ0471

We are looking for an organised and motivated Accounting Assistant to join our Financial Services team at the Council. This role provides support across the finance team, to deliver an accurate and compliant service.

The role assists with budget monitoring, advice and analysis, contributing to the production of final accounts including year end processes, annual estimates, budgetary control and audit requirements. Support extends across accounts payable and corporate finance including payment processing, resolving queries and financial monitoring, alongside advising and supporting employees and managers.

This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with strong numeracy skills, excellent attention to detail and ideally experience of working in local government.

We are looking for part or full AAT qualification or extensive experience in a similar finance role. You should be confident working with financial systems, spreadsheets and Microsoft Office, with the ability to interpret financial information, follow procedures and work accurately to deadlines. Alongside strong communication skills with the ability to build excellent working relationships and a customer-focused approach

If you are looking to develop your finance career in a supportive public sector environment and can bring accuracy, professionalism and a proactive approach to financial support, we would welcome your application.

Why choose Braintree District Council?

Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the District located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, which is led by our employees, and are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Our people see the difference they make and how the work they do actively contributes to and encourages positive change in the local community.

We also offer some great benefits, including:

• Learning and development for all employees
• Employee discounts at local businesses
• Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership

Make a difference – work for your local council

Every day, our work shapes the place people call home – at your local council, your skills will help build safer neighbourhoods, stronger communities and better futures.

From Planning and IT to Finance and Environmental Services, and with more routes in than ever, choose from hundreds of roles to find out what works for you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, find your own path to a life-changing career.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications: Midnight on Monday 7th September 2026.

Interviews will take place in week commencing 14th or 21st September 2026.