Job Introduction
We have an excellent opportunity for you to start your career in Finance. You’ll join a supportive environment where you’ll gain experience in working for a large organisation and will support the City Council whilst studying for a professional finance qualification.
We’re looking for a highly motivated individual who is an excellent communicator and keen to learn and develop in all aspects of Finance to join us as an apprentice.
You’ll be an active member of the Finance team ensuring that accounting entries are recorded accurately, supporting budget managers and the day-to-day activities of the Finance function, across Environment and Property Services.
After you have completed your accounting apprenticeship (including completion of Level 3 and 4 AAT) you may be offered the opportunity to progress into a permanent role, should a vacancy be available.
Please note if there are a high number of applications then the closing date will be sooner. Remote training for the AAT qualification will be provided by Babington. AAT qualification apprenticeship entry level may depend on prior qualifications.
Job closes to applications on Sunday 16th June
Main Responsibility
- Support the finance service in the posting of accounting entries and budget amendments.
- Assist in the budget monitoring process through the preparation of salary projections, income tracking, bank reconciliations, and tracking of high-volume data accounts.
- Support the Medium-Term Financial Plan through the preparation of working papers and budget information.
- Assist in the tracking and posting of grant income and reconciliation of control accounts.
- Within reason, these key responsibilities may evolve to meet service need and it is expected that you will be flexible and adaptable in your delivery to meet both service and council wide needs.
The Ideal Candidate
- 5 GCSE’s including English Language and Mathematics (at least Level 5) or equivalent.
- Be committed to providing excellent customer service.
- Possess good written and communication skills with attention to detail.
- A professional attitude with a positive ‘can do’ approach to your work.
- Inquisitive and challenging with the ability to apply innovative and creative thinking to service challenges within a fast-paced environment.
- Competent computer skills with familiarity of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- A genuine interest to work in Finance and the Public Sector.
- Be confident to build strong working relationships with a variety of colleagues within the whole city council.
- Work towards and successfully complete the appropriate level accountancy apprenticeship (as determined on entry) in 18 months.
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
