Systems Accountant – Colchester City Council

TN United Kingdom; Essex; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council in Essex is seeking a proactive Systems Accountant to enhance financial systems and support the Finance leadership team. This permanent, full-time role offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including a generous pension scheme and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Attractive pension scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

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 and business process management.
• Skills in database manipulation using SQL, VBA, and XML.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Database manipulation using SQL

VBA

XML

Budget preparation

Financial controls

Education

Full membership of AAT

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

Relevant degree or qualification

Tools

eFinancials

Business Objects

Power BI

Job description

Systems Accountant – Colchester City Council, Essex

Client: Essex County Council

Location: Colchester

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 0506f71c7b7f

Job Views: 3

Posted: 21.05.2025

Expiry Date: 05.07.2025

Job Description

Colchester City Council

Permanent, Full Time

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

Closing Date: 28th May 2025

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, with skills in database manipulation using SQL, VBA, and XML. Experience in budget preparation, account closure processes, and financial controls is also required.

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

What we offer

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

Other benefits include:

• 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.

Note: This role is being advertised on behalf of Colchester City Council. All applications must be submitted via the Colchester City Council's application portal. Applications submitted via the Working for Essex ‘apply’ button will be redirected to reapply through Colchester City Council.