Accounting Technician - WMF3214e

Westmorland & Furness Council; Kendal; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension

Enhanced annual leave

Perks & discounts schemes

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an Accounting Technician to join our Finance team in Kendal, handling the full budget cycle with strong financial systems and Excel skills to analyse information and provide clear financial guidance.

If you are AAT qualified or working toward a professional qualification, you will thrive in a collaborative environment, supporting managers across the Council and contributing to financial planning and improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• AAT qualified or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence using financial systems and spreadsheets (Excel).
• Good understanding of accounting principles and year-end processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional financial support across the full budget cycle.
• Support budget setting and financial planning processes.
• Produce and analyse budget monitoring information and forecasts.
• Assist with year-end accounting and closure of accounts.
• Process journals, virements and maintain accounting records.
• Produce financial reports for decision-making.
• Support development and improvement of financial systems and processes.
• Deliver guidance and training to budget managers and users.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Excel

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Financial systems

Job description

Job reference REQ00000020545 Date posted 10/11/2026 Application closing date 29/11/2026 Location KENDAL Salary £35,570 - £36,581 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank

Job description

Location: South Lakeland House, Kendal
Contract Type: x1 Permanent – Supporting Children and Families / x1 Permanent – Education and Inclusion

Hours: 37 Per week

About this opportunity

Join us and help shape the future of local government finance

Westmorland and Furness Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Accounting Technician to join our Finance team. Whether you're already AAT qualified or working towards a professional accounting qualification, this is an exciting opportunity to build your career in a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.

We're seeking someone who combines strong financial skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving. You'll work closely with managers across the Council, providing high-quality financial support while supporting our ambition to become a financially sustainable organisation.

About the Role

As part of the Accountancy and Financial Planning team, you will provide professional financial support across the full budget cycle, including:

• Supporting budget setting and financial planning processes
• Producing and analysing budget monitoring information and forecasts
• Assisting with year-end accounting and closure of accounts
• Processing journals, virements and maintaining accounting records
• Producing financial reports and information to support decision-making
• Supporting the development and improvement of financial systems and processes
• Delivering guidance and training to budget managers and system users when required
• Working collaboratively with a wide range of council services to provide clear and practical financial advice

The role will initially provide support to schools and education-related services, helping schools with financial queries and maintaining financial information within the Council's financial systems. As part of a flexible finance team, there will also be opportunities to work across a variety of service areas and develop a broad range of local government finance experience.

Who we are looking for…

We're looking for a candidate who is AAT qualified or can demonstrate equivalent experience, with strong analytical skills, attention to detail and confidence using financial systems and spreadsheets. You'll have a good understanding of accounting principles and experience working with financial information, budgets, accounting systems and financial year end. You will be able to communicate financial information clearly, manage competing priorities, work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery.

Most importantly, you'll bring enthusiasm, initiative and a willingness to learn and develop within a dynamic finance environment.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.

If you're looking for an opportunity to develop your finance career whilst helping deliver vital public services, we'd love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Amanda Chew on 07584 611551.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 29th November 2026

Interview date: 9th December 2026

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [e-mail] .

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers

Safer Recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.