Assistant Accountant (Strategy and Compliance)

Devon County Council; Exeter; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Exeter is looking for a fixed-term Assistant Accountant to support financial reporting activities. This full-time position is ideal for those eager to expand their skills in local government finance. Responsibilities include supporting the production of financial statements, coordinating budget processes, and managing pension fund queries. Candidates should have strong Excel skills and attention to detail. A flexible working arrangement is offered.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunity for professional development

Commitment to diversity and equality

Qualifications

• Experience with actuarial recharges and reconciliations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
• Experience in corporate accounting compliance.

Responsibilities

• Support production of the Annual Statement of Accounts.
• Handle pension employer cashflow queries.
• Coordinate budget preparation processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Effective communication

Job description

Job description

Fixed Term (Maternity Cover - Minimum 12 Months, probable extension to 18 Months)

Full Time 37 hours per week

Overview

The Finance Strategy Team, part of the Finance and Public Value service, is looking to recruit a full time Assistant Accountant on a fixed term contract. This role offers the opportunity to gain experience working in a dynamic environment within local government corporate finance, providing information and solutions for other parts of Finance and Public Value. It is an opportunity to leverage existing knowledge and develop new skills.

Key Accountabilities

The role will support the work of the Senior Accountants in the production of the Annual Statement of Accounts for Devon County Council and Devon Pension Fund. This will require excellent attention to detail and ability with Excel to analyse and interpret financial data. The post holder will need to have effective communication skills. Other duties include:

• Responsible for actuarial recharges and reconciliations, annual funding and statistical returns
• Dealing with pension employer cashflow queries
• Supporting production of pension fund triennial valuation exercise
• Co-ordination of FRS102/IAS 19 employer valuation reporting
• The monthly monitoring of total corporate revenue expenditure and income
• Supporting the co-ordination of the budget preparation process
• Ensuring compliance with statutory accounting Codes of Practice
• Supporting the Senior Accountant at external partnership meetings
• Assisting with external audit queries
• Co-ordinating and producing the Budget Book, Outturn Report, Statement of Accounts and Whole of Government and Accounts
• Supporting the Senior Accountant on Pension Fund Accounting, Corporate Revenue Accounting and Capital Accounting

The closing date for applications is Monday 5th January 2026.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13th January 2026. There will also be a short test using Excel.

If you would like further information and an informal chat about the role, please contact Jessica Maunder ( [e-mail])

Alternatively, please contact Lisa Northam ( [e-mail] ) or Catherine Burt ( [e-mail] )

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note:

If you are an existing DCC employee, please use yourTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Important Information

We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).