Assistant Financial Accountant

West Yorkshire Combined Authority; Leeds; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

28 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional development support

Volunteer days

Supportive wellbeing program

Modern workplace near Leeds Station

Job summary

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking an Assistant Financial Accountant in Leeds. The role is hybrid, full-time, permanent (37 hours/week). Salary is £41,869 (Grade 7); closing date 20 September.

You will support statutory reporting, VAT, fixed assets, and month-end/year-end processes within the Financial Accounting team. You will work in a knowledgeable team, contribute to financial controls, and have development opportunities through professional training and flexible working

Qualifications

• Holds a degree or equivalent in accounting or finance.
• Part-qualified CCAB/CIMA or working towards a recognised professional qualification.
• Demonstrable experience with high volumes of financial data and strong financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of the statement of accounts under IFRS and CIPFA Code of Practice, and other statutory reporting.
• Prepare VAT returns and balance sheet reconciliations; review payment runs and maintain fixed asset register.
• Process journals to record transactions accurately in line with month-end and year-end timetables.

Skills

High-volume data handling

Financial controls

Journal processing

Education

Degree in accounting

Part-qualified CCAB / CIMA

Tools

IFRS knowledge

CIPFA Code of Practice

Job description

Assistant Financial Accountant

£41,869 – Grade 7

Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week

Closing date – 20 September at 23:55

Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.

We currently have a vacancy for an Assistant Financial Accountant to join our Financial Accounting team.

You will be working within a team of four, as part of the wider Finance & Commercial Services Directorate. You will have exposure to a wide range of statutory reporting and technical accounting duties, including preparation of notes to the statement of accounts, preparation of VAT returns, processing journals in line with month-end and year-end timetables, support with other statutory returns, fixed asset register maintenance, banking, as well as broader monitoring & forecasting procedures. As Assistant Financial Accountant, you will also be supporting with month-end and year-end processes, whilst also ensuring compliance with public sector processes and regulations.

This role is well-suited to a driven and detail-oriented candidate looking to broaden or build on their existing experience and professional development, with particular focus on technical accounting and statutory reporting.

Our Offer

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you –Take advantage of supported professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

• Supporting the preparation of the statement of accounts under IFRS and the CIPFA Code of Practice, as well as other statutory reporting requirements.
• Preparing VAT returns, completing balance sheet reconciliations, reviewing payment runs and assisting with the maintenance of the fixed asset register.
• Processing journals to accurately record transactions in line with accounting standards and the month-end/year-end timetables.

Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

• Holds a degree or has equivalent relevant experience in accounting.
• Part-qualified CCAB / CIMA accountant (or equivalent) or working towards a recognised professional
• accountancy qualification.
• Demonstrable experience of working with high volumes of financial data and maintaining appropriate financial controls.
• Technical knowledge of IFRS and the CIPFA Code of Practice and experience of applying these standards in a practical context.
• Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met