Graduate Trainee Accountant

WFS Patron; North East; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site facilities

Job summary

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is seeking a Graduate Trainee Accountant to join the Finance team. You will support the Finance Manager and gain exposure to the Medium-Term Financial Plan, Capital Programme, and end-to-end budgeting. The role offers a structured development path toward CIPFA qualification.

The starting salary is £27,709 per annum, progressing to £44,253 once qualified, with benefits. Salary may be reviewed after a service-wide evaluation and progression is tied to

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent suitable for entry to the CIPFA Professional Qualification.
• Willingness to study for CIPFA CCAB.
• General understanding of local government and the fire sector.
• Ability to work effectively in a finance environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Finance Manager with the Medium-Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme.
• Deliver revenue and capital budget processes end-to-end (budget setting, monitoring, projections, reconciliations, year-end).
• Provide finance support to services and projects, including service/efficiency reviews, statutory returns and grant claims.
• Contribute to treasury and capital accounting activities and assist with closing of accounts and audits.
• Provide clear financial information to budget holders and stakeholders in line with policies.

Skills

Finance basics

Analytical mindset

Team collaboration

Education

Degree or CIPFA entry eligibility

Willing to study CIPFA CCAB

Job description

Graduate Trainee Accountant

Starting salary £27,709* per annum progressing to £44,253* once qualified + benefits

About the role

We are seeking to fill an upcoming vacancy for the role of Graduate Trainee Accountant.

Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the overall Financial Management department in its duties.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the TWFRS values of Safety, Integrity, Inclusivity and Learning and champion these in their day‑to‑day work. They will also demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behaviours in compliance with our code of conduct.

* The Service is currently undertaking a job evaluation review across the organisation – the salary for this role is subject to change following the outcome of this process. Note also that progression through the career grades is subject to qualification achievement, satisfactory performance, workplace experience, competency assessment and approval through the Service’s appraisal process.

About Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are one of the UK’s leading Fire and Rescue Services for responding and innovation. We pride ourselves in striving to ‘Create the Safest Community’ and our dedicated, and diverse workforce are committed to delivering this.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters are located in purpose-built premises based in Washington, within easy reach of the A1 and A19. On site facilities include a staff gym, ample free parking and canteen facilities.

As a Graduate Trainee Accountant, key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Finance Manager with the Medium-Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme.
• Helping to deliver revenue and capital budget processes end-to-end i.e. budget setting, monitoring, projections, reconciliations and year-end closure.
• Providing finance support to services and projects, including service / efficiency reviews, statutory returns and grant claims.
• Contributing to treasury and capital accounting activity and support closure of the accounts, including support with audit queries.
• Providing clear financial information and advice to budget holders and stakeholders, working to internal policies and professional standards, and committing to ongoing professional development.

We are seeking a candidate who:

• Has a degree or equivalent qualification suitable for entry to the CIPFA Professional Qualification (a formal offer of employment will be subject to evidence of successful completion).
• Is willing to study for a professional CCAB accounting qualification (CIPFA).
• Has a general understanding of local government and the fire sector.
• Has the general skills to work in a finance environment.

Career Progression

This is a career graded post. Progression through the grades is subject to the achievement of agreed professional qualification milestones, satisfactory performance, demonstration of competence and successful progression through the Service’s appraisal process. Full details of the progression requirements are contained within the Graduate Trainee Accountant Career Progression Scheme.

Subject to successful completion of the required examinations and satisfactory performance, the postholder will progress through the applicable salary bands. Please refer to the GTA Career Progression Scheme document for full details of the qualification milestones, progression requirements and associated salary levels.

The selection process

Set out below are the key dates relating to this selection process:

Stage Timeline*

• Advert closes for applications – Sunday 25th September at 12 midnight
• Notification of shortlist – W/C 26th September 2026
• Interviews – W/C 9th November 2026

* Please note the dates and stages detailed may be subject to change

Interested in applying?

We welcome applications from all sections of society with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in our workforce or society.

Further information about our Service can be found by visiting twfire.gov.uk and our various social media channels.

For further information about the role, please contact Matt Calvert, Head of Financial Services at [e-mail] or Catherine Spoors, Finance Manager at [e-mail].

Reasonable adjustments

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please email [e-mail]

Safer recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect this, and all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Pre-employment checks

The successful applicant will be subject to our pre-employment screening process which includes a standard DBS check relevant to the role, completion of an occupational health medical and a substance abuse test. We will also conduct right to work and reference checks.