Systems Accountant - Colchester City Council

Essex County Council; Colchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a proactive Systems Accountant for Colchester City Council. This role involves enhancing financial systems and supporting the Finance leadership team in delivering statutory responsibilities. Ideal candidates will have AAT membership, experience in financial systems, and skills in SQL and VBA. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including flexible working and training opportunities.

Benefits

Attractive pension scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible working

Gym, travel and online retail discounts

Excellent training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Full membership of AAT or equivalent experience required.
• Practical experience in maintaining financial systems needed.
• Skills in database manipulation using SQL, VBA, XML.

Responsibilities

• Improve financial transaction processing and management.
• Maintain, develop, and enhance financial systems.
• Support the provision of high-quality accountancy services.

Skills

Database manipulation

Problem solving

Business process management

Education

Full membership of AAT

Membership of CCAB-recognised body (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA)

Relevant degree or qualification

Tools

SQL

VBA

XML

eFinancials

Power BI

Business Objects

Job description

Systems Accountant - Colchester City Council

Colchester City Council

Permanent, Full Time

From £42,208 to £46,208 (Market Supplement up to £5,000)

Location: Colchester

Closing Date: 28th May 2025

Essex County Council are delighted to be advertising the role of Systems Accountant on behalf of Colchester City Council. To see full job advert and apply, please click HERE.

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 and commercial 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's 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's operations. You'll 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 working

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 at [e-mail].

How to apply: This role is being advertised on behalf of Colchester City Council therefore all applications must be submitted via the Colchester City Council website . Please note any applications submitted via the Working for Essex 'apply' button will be advised to reapply via the Colchester city Council Advert .

*Please click the link to apply HERE .