Assistant Accountant

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Caerphilly; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Wales is seeking an experienced Assistant Accountant to join its busy finance team. The role involves supporting senior finance staff, managing grant-funded programmes, preparing budget reports, and liaising with stakeholders. Candidates should have strong accounting knowledge, experience with financial systems, and the ability to communicate effectively. A full UK driving licence is required. The contract is for 3 months.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of core accounting principles, including budgeting and monitoring.
• Experience working with financial systems and producing reports.
• Demonstrable experience in grant monitoring and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Accountant and Finance Manager in financial advice.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, estimates, and grant claims.
• Supervise and delegate work to junior finance support staff.

Skills

Core accounting principles

Analytical skills

Confidence in communication

Deadline management

Grant monitoring

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Tools

OLAS

iTrent

Proactis

Job description

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3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Assistant Accountant to join a busy public sector finance team.

• The successful candidate will support the Senior Accountant and Finance Manager in providing high-quality financial advice, preparing budget monitoring reports, grant claims, and year-end financial submissions, with a particular focus on managing and monitoring grant-funded programmes.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Assist in the provision of financial advice and reporting on grant schemes to senior management and project boards

• Prepare and monitor budgets, estimates, grant claims and financial submissions

• Produce regular budget monitoring reports and contribute to financial updates for Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees

• Support in year-end accounting processes and ensure accurate reconciliation of financial accounts

• Liaise with service managers and external stakeholders, including funding bodies and auditors

• Supervise and delegate work to junior finance support staff

• Attend meetings and represent the finance function where required

• Ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions, and internal financial procedures

• Assist in identifying and correcting misposted income and expenditure items

Skills/Experience:

• Strong working knowledge of core accounting principles, including budgeting, monitoring, and account closure processes

• Experience working with financial systems such as OLAS, iTrent, or Proactis

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and produce clear reports

• Confident communicator with the ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels

• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrable experience in grant monitoring and financial reporting

• Experience within a local authority or public sector finance setting is highly desirable

• Competency in Microsoft Excel and Word

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 01/09/2025.

• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel for meetings required.