Assistant Accountant

To enable officers to discharge their financial management duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, as a professional advisory and support function, the Finance and Technology Service aims to ensure that Council Services are provided with the necessary financial support and advice in a targeted, value-added, risk-based, and appropriate manner. In doing so, a key objective of Finance and Technology Service is to support Council Services in delivering on the priorities and shared ambition of North Lanarkshire.

Working within the Finance and Technology Service of the Council, you will be a confident, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual who exhibits a positive and professional disposition. Additionally, as a key officer within a wider Finance Team, you will be required to display initiative and work well and collaboratively within a team environment.

Providing responsive, accessible financial advice and support to budget holders and other client officers, as an Assistant Accountant responsible to an Accountant, or Assistant Accountant (Schools) responsible to a School Finance Officer, your main duties will include, but are not limited to, assisting in the development and implementation of financial and budgetary control systems along with accompanying budget preparation and monitoring outputs; assisting in the preparation and completion of the Council’s statutory accounts, statistical returns, and other reporting requirements; as well as undertaking detailed financial monitoring of both capital and revenue income and expenditure accounts.

Importantly, in line with the duties and responsibilities of your remit, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Council’s Financial Regulations and Scheme of Financial Delegation. Furthermore, the Assistant Accountant (Schools) remit extends these responsibilities to the Council’s Devolved School Management (DSM) Scheme regarding the financial advice and support provided to Head Teachers / Heads of Establishment within North Lanarkshire’s educational estate.

Accordingly, suitable candidates must have either an HNC in Accounting, or Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) Level 2 qualification (Certificate in Accounting – SCQF Level 6), or equivalent, relevant qualification. In addition, suitable candidates will also require a minimum of two-years practical experience within an accounting and finance environment; experience of financial ledger / accounting systems; experience of using spreadsheets, databases, coupled with demonstrating other pertinent ICT knowledge and transferable skills; and be able to evidence analytical, numeracy, communication, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, given the role is situated within accounting and finance environment, candidates must also have the ability to organise their work effectively to meet deadlines.