Systems Accountant

Colchester City Council; Colchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local government authority is seeking a proactive Systems Accountant to support the Finance team in delivering statutory financial responsibilities. This role involves enhancing financial systems and providing high-quality accountancy services. The ideal candidate will have AAT membership and experience in financial systems management, with skills in SQL, VBA, and XML. The position offers flexible working, generous leave, and development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible and home working

Gym, travel and online retail discounts

Excellent training, development and progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Full membership of AAT or equivalent experience required.
• Practical experience in maintaining financial systems and business process management.

Responsibilities

• Improve financial transaction processing, management, and reporting.
• Maintain, develop, and enhance financial systems.

Skills

SQL

VBA

XML

Budget Preparation

Financial Controls

Education

AAT Membership

CCAB Membership

Relevant Degree

Tools

eFinancials

Business Objects

Power BI

Job description

Contract Type:Permanent

Working Hours:37 hours per week

Interviews will take place on the 12 or 13 June 2025

This is a politically restricted post

Colchester City Council is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible services to residents, visitors and businesses. We are a local government authority providing a diverse range of public andcommercial services across Colchester, the second largest district in Essex.

About the Role

We are seeking a talented and proactive Systems Accountant to join our Finance team. This key role supports the Finance leadership team in delivering the Council statutory financial responsibilities and ensuring the continued integrity, resilience, and fitness-for-purpose of our corporate financial systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact by supporting and enhancing financial systems at the heart of the Council operations. You¼ join a supportive and innovative team committed to excellence, resilience, and continuous improvement.

Duties of the role

You will play a critical part in improving financial transaction processing, management, and reporting, supporting the provision of high-quality accountancy services aligned with best practice. You will also be instrumental in maintaining, developing, and enhancing financial systems to meet the needs of a modern and forward-looking Council.

Qualifications and skills required

You will have full membership of AAT or equivalent experience. Ideally, you will also hold full membership of a CCAB-recognised body (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA) or a relevant degree or qualification.

To be successful in this role, you will have practical experience in maintaining financial systems and business process management and Skills in database manipulation using SQL, VBA, and XML and experience in budget preparation, account closure processes, and financial controls.

Familiarity with eFinancials or other ERP/financial management systems, experience with Collaborative Planning or similar planning tools and proficiency with Business Objects, Power BI, or other Business Intelligence tools is also desirable.

What we offer

The Council encourages all employees to maximise their potential. You will be entitled to join an attractive pension scheme and will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, including two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.

Other benefits include:

• • Flexible and home working as well as working from Civic offices
  • Gym, travel and online retail discounts
  • Excellent training, development and progression opportunities

If you are a systems-minded finance professional who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Atkinson, Interim Head of Finance [e-mail].

For further information regarding this vacancy, please clickhere