CIPFA Trainee

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Are you ready to launch your career in public sector finance and make a real difference?

East Renfrewshire Council is seeking motivated and ambitious individuals to join our team as Trainee Accountants. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a professional career in local government finance through a structured training programme, while studying towards a recognised accountancy qualification (CIPFA).

About the Role

As a Trainee Accountant, you will undertake a structured rotational programme across key areas of Finance and Internal Audit, providing you with a broad and practical understanding of how financial management, governance and assurance support the delivery of essential services.

Working alongside experienced finance professionals, you will support the delivery of high‑quality financial and assurance services across the Council. Your responsibilities will develop as your experience grows, but will include:

• Supporting budget setting, monitoring and financial planning activities.
• Assisting with the preparation of the Council’s Annual Accounts and supporting working papers.
• Contributing to statutory financial returns and financial reporting.
• Assisting with treasury management activities, including cash flow monitoring.
• Supporting internal audit reviews, including testing controls and documenting findings.
• Developing an understanding of governance, risk management and internal control frameworks.
• Providing financial and analytical support to services, projects and corporate initiatives.

You will gain hands-on experience in applying professional standards, building technical knowledge, and developing the skills required to support effective decision-making across a complex organisation.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who are keen to learn, develop and build a long-term career in public sector finance. You will bring:

• A degree (or equivalent) and a commitment to studying towards the CIPFA qualification.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with an interest in financial management and governance.
• The ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive and positive approach to learning and professional development.

What We Offer

• A structured training and development programme with clear progression pathways.
• Full financial and professional support towards CIPFA qualification.
• Rotational experience across Finance, Internal Audit and corporate functions.
• Exposure to strategic financial management and decision-making.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment focused on your development.

Hybrid employees are considered workplace based first, but they will have a level of flexibility to work from home up to 40% of their working week, if it is not to the detriment of their current tasks, team requirements or service needs. 

This post is subject to a Level 2 Disclosure Check.

Additional Information

For details of our employment policies and terms and conditions, please visit our Council Careers page https://eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/careers

East Renfrewshire Council has launched a new 15-year Community Planning Partnership vision called ‘A Place to Grow’. Please follow this link https://eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/placetogrow to watch a video and read our full plan which sets out our shared hopes and aspirations between now and 2040 so that East Renfrewshire is a place where everyone can flourish, thrive and grow.

Please note – all applicants will be asked to provide proof of their right to work in the UK, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon verifying documentary evidence before employment commences. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work

Please note - East Renfrewshire Council does not provide Visa sponsorship.

References – during your application form completion you must provide details of a minimum of 2 referees, 1 of which should be your most recent or current employer. It is also a requirement that the referees are your previous/current managers and are not the details of work colleagues operating at the same level as you or personal referees. Please note only work email addresses for referees will be accepted. Please contact hrdirect@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk with any questions.

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