Trainee Accountant

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Trainee Accountant to join the Strategic Finance team in Stornoway. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience across a range of finance functions while working towards the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) qualification.
In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation in local government finance. You will assist with budget preparation, year-end accounts, financial ledger updates, grant claims, reconciliations, financial returns and internal control processes, gaining valuable experience across a range of accounting activities. As your knowledge and experience grow, in your second year, you will take on greater responsibility in supporting budget and accounts preparation, completing financial and statistical returns, assisting with internal audits, preparing financial information and providing financial support to managers across the Comhairle. By your third year, you will take a lead role in preparing budgets, year-end accounts, grant claims and financial returns. You will also represent the Finance Service at meetings when required and support the development and maintenance of effective financial controls across the organisation.
A structured training programme will provide experience across several areas, including Accountancy, Payroll, Council Tax, Purchase to Pay and Internal Audit. Full support will be provided to undertake the CIPFA qualification, including payment of course fees, study support and mentoring from qualified accountants.

You should be educated to degree level (or equivalent) or qualify for CIPFA mature entry requirements through relevant work experience and be willing to undertake the CIPFA professional training programme.