Exciting Opportunity: Assistant Accountant (Fixed Term for 12 Months)
Overview
The Finance Strategy Team, part of the Finance and Public Value service, is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity as we look to recruit an Assistant Accountant on a fixed term contract for 12 months.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience working in a dynamic environment within local government corporate finance, providing information and solutions for other parts of Finance and Public Value. It is an opportunity to leverage existing knowledge and develop new skills.
You will join a supportive, collaborative and experienced finance team, gaining valuable experience in complex financial accounting and management. The Finance Strategy Team is the central accounting function of Devon County Council’s Finance and Public Value service, providing corporate financial support and guidance throughout the Authority. The team is responsible for development of the Medium Term Financial Strategy, production of Statutory Financial Reporting, and setting out the policies for Corporate Revenue and Capital Budgeting and Monitoring.
Key Responsibilities
The role will support the work of the Senior Accountants in the production of the Annual Statement of Accounts for Devon County Council and Devon Pension Fund. This will require excellent attention to detail, time management and IT skills, including ability with Excel to analyse and interpret financial data. The post holder will need to have effective communication skills, experience of working in a financial environment and a solid understanding of core accounting principles. The ability to organise and prioritise conflicting demands, meet deadlines and consistently deliver high quality work is also essential to this role.
Other duties and responsibilities include:
1. Responsible for actuarial recharges and reconciliations, annual funding and statistical returns
2. Dealing with pension employer cashflow queries
3. Supporting production of pension fund triennial valuation exercise
4. Co-ordination of FRS102/IAS 19 employer valuation reporting
5. The monthly monitoring of total corporate revenue expenditure and income
6. Supporting the co-ordination of the budget preparation process
7. Ensuring compliance with statutory accounting Codes of Practice
8. Supporting the Senior Accountant at external partnership meetings
9. Assisting with external audit queries
10. Co-ordinating and producing the Budget Book, Outturn Report, Statement of Accounts and Whole of Government and Accounts
11. Supporting the Senior Accountant on Pension Fund Accounting, Corporate Revenue Accounting and Capital Accounting
12. Completing monthly bank reconciliations
Location
Based at County Hall, Exeter. Some travel to other sites may be required. Flexible working options may be available, subject to service delivery and business needs.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 3rd May 2026.
Interviews will be either on the 12th May or 19th May 2026.