Lead Assistant Accountant – Finance Systems
Wakefield – Permanent, Full Time
We are seeking a technically minded professional to join our Financial Systems Integrity Team, ensuring robust financial systems, data integrity, and automation across West Yorkshire Police.
Essential Criteria
* AAT Level 4 qualification with substantial post‑qualification experience working within finance teams; experience in a finance systems team is desirable.
* Strong working knowledge of financial processes, controls, and procedures.
* Advanced spreadsheet and database management skills.
* Excellent analytical, communication and problem‑solving abilities.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience with Sun Accounts and/or Proactis Spend Control.
Role and Responsibilities
* Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of data quality, management information and analytics activity across the Directorate.
* Provide expert advice, guidance and technical support to financial system users.
* Design and deliver financial systems training.
* Develop, enhance and maintain financial systems, processes and reporting outputs.
* Support the ongoing development of Force‑wide finance systems and ensure integration with other platforms.
* Analyse and monitor system inputs and outputs for accuracy, consistency and compliance.
* Oversee supplier payment processing and assist debt recovery activity.
* Act as SME for system access, master data management and workflow configuration.
* Support system upgrades, testing and implementations including data mapping, cleansing and reconciliation.
* Mentor Assistant Accountants and Apprentice Accounting Technicians.
* Build and maintain effective working relationships with external consultants and digital policing specialists.
Expectations
* Communicate confidently with finance colleagues, system users and senior stakeholders.
* Apply strong analytical skills to identify issues, risks and improvement opportunities.
* Investigate, diagnose and resolve complex system and data anomalies.
* Manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality work within deadlines.
* Provide leadership, guidance and technical expertise within the team.
Benefits
* Project Management training and development opportunities.
* Generous annual leave: 29 days (increasing to 34 days after five years of service), plus bank holidays.
* Flexible working options, including agile arrangements.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund – a defined benefit CARE scheme.
* Access to savings, discounts and cashback rewards through staff schemes, plus the Blue Light Card.
* Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility‑dependent).
* Wide range of internal wellbeing services and support programmes.
* Career development and training opportunities.
* Supportive HR policies, including maternity, paternity and other family‑friendly provisions.
* Opportunity to join staff networks, wellbeing groups and sports clubs.
* Meaningful career to protect communities.
Equality & Diversity
West Yorkshire Police welcomes applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. The role is suitable for job share.
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