Trainee Accountant

UCC Academy; Cork; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Cork seeks a Trainee Accountant to support their finance function. This role offers hands-on experience in financial processes, compliance, and reporting. The ideal candidate is pursuing or has completed an accounting qualification and has a strong understanding of financial principles. Competitive salary of €38,000–€52,006 per annum with 25 days annual leave.

Benefits

Annual leave of 25 days plus discretionary days

Company Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a professional accounting qualification.
• 2 years’ experience in a finance role or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and financial processes.
• Experience with transactional finance activities.

Responsibilities

• Accurate processing of financial transactions and compliance.
• Preparation of cashflow reports and variance analysis.
• Assist in external audits and internal controls.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Accounting principles

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Excel

Confidential information handling

Education

Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA)

Tools

Accounting software (e.g. Xero, ADP)

Job description

Overview

Role Overview

The Trainee Accountant supports the operational delivery of UCC Academy’s finance function, contributing to a wide range of financial activities including transactional processing, reporting, audit preparation, and compliance. Working under the guidance of the Finance Manager, this role offers hands-on experience across core finance processes and systems, while supporting the development of financial insights and controls.

This is a developmental role designed to build technical competence and professional confidence. The Trainee Accountant will engage with internal and external stakeholders, assist in maintaining financial records and systems, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. The role provides a strong foundation for part-qualified accountants who are looking to develop their skills and professional experience while working as part of a finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Administration
• Accurately process routine financial transactions, ensuring compliance with internal controls and reporting deadlines.
• Perform Balance Sheet reconciliations for key subledger accounts, identifying discrepancies and escalating unresolved issues.
• Support the preparation of weekly and monthly cashflow reports, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Assist in the production of statutory financial accounts and reconciliation schedules, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Financial Management & Reporting
• Support the timely and accurate preparation of monthly accounts.
• Assist with banking and treasury activities, including preparation of VAT, PSWT, and other regulatory returns.
• Help prepare external funding body claims, ensuring accuracy with requirements.
• Contribute to the development of budgets and forecasts under guidance.
• Support procurement governance by maintaining the procurement contracts database and assisting with third-party tendering processes.
• Assist with processing vendor payments and verifying approvals in line with financial controls.
• Maintain and update financial records including intercompany schedules and Chart of Accounts (COA).
• Support the preparation of financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Audit & Compliance
• Assist with the external annual audit, preparing documentation and resolving queries.
• Support internal audit activities and contribute to strengthening internal controls.
• Ensure adherence to data protection and compliance requirements in all financial activities.
• Process Management
• Support the integrity and maintenance of the Financial Management system.
• Collaborate on process improvement initiatives within the Finance and Business Information function.
• Liaise with the Data team to support the development of financial dashboards and reporting tools.
• Systems & Administration
• Assist with system administration tasks including user setup and COA updates
• Support the use of financial platforms.
• Liaise with third-party service providers to support service delivery and compliance.
• Individual & Team Contribution & Continuous Improvement
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive team environment, supporting colleagues and contributing to shared goals and deliverables.
• Identify and share feedback or suggestions to support continuous improvement within projects, within the finance function and wider organisation.
• Demonstrate accountability for personal performance and growth, aligning with UCC Academy’s values and contributing positively to team and organisation.
• Other Duties
• Such other duties as may reasonably be assigned to you by your Manager.
• This list is not exhaustive, and the Trainee Accountant will undertake other duties as appropriately requested.

Essential Criteria

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA) or equivalent.
• 2 years’ experience in a finance role or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and financial processes.
• Experience with transactional finance activities (e.g. AP/AR, payroll, reconciliations).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with accounting software (e.g. Xero, ADP, or similar).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines with accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in a higher education or university-affiliated organisation.
• Exposure to audit preparation or participation in external/internal audits.
• Experience using financial dashboards, data visualisation tools, or business intelligence platforms.
• Ability to interpret financial data and present insights to non-financial stakeholders.

Conditions of Employment

• Employment Type: The post is full-time. A six-month probationary period will apply.
• Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in Ireland to be considered for the role.
• Salary on commencement: €38,000– €52,006 per annum. New entrants to UCC Academy will likely be appointed onto one of the first three points of the scale, subject to experience.
• Term: Permanent on successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
• Annual Leave: 25 Days plus up to 5 discretionary Company Days.
• Pension: Company Defined Contribution Pension Scheme available after 6 months in post.
• Location: Our place of work is the Western Gateway Building, UCC. Onsite presence is required, with opportunities for flexible working when organisation and client needs allow.

How to Apply

In order to be considered for the post, we ask you to submit a 2-page CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements. Deadline for applications is 9am, Tuesday 28 October 2025.

Equal Opportunities

UCC Academy is an equal opportunities employer

By submitting your CV you are deemed to give your consent to UCC Academy to share your CV and personal details with the University and individual departments within the University for the purposes of recruitment.