Accountant
| Posting date: | 12 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,434 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 24 December 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 21493 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as an Accountant and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
An opportunity has arisen within our Finance team to support the operation and development of the Council’s financial systems, and to support the delivery of the Council’s core financial responsibilities.
Your role will be pivotal in ensuring that our financial management and reporting is effective, providing the strong foundations which will enable the Council to deliver positive change across the communities the Council serves. You’ll lead on process improvements, automation, and self-service initiatives, while sharing best practice to maximise efficiency. Your responsibilities include supporting system development, testing and implementation, managing reconciliations and month-end processes, maintaining the chart of accounts, and resolving data integrity issues. You’ll collaborate on cross-departmental projects, oversee user acceptance testing, and mentor colleagues through process changes. With strong Excel and data analytics skills, and ideally experience in Power BI, you’ll document current and future processes, manage multiple projects, and provide innovative solutions. This is a hands-on role requiring discretion, initiative, and problem-solving ability, as well as deputising for your line manager when needed.
You will need
- to be AAT qualified
- financial experience and knowledge, preferably gained from a public sector background
- to work as part of a team to achieve goals and objectives successfully, working collaboratively and constructively with staff across different grades and services
- to be trustworthy, diligent and motivated, and able to work without close supervision
- to be adaptable to meet changing requirements and needs
- good communication skills and the ability to explain technical/financial information in simple terms.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will be part of the Corporate Finance team, a team of eleven who are responsible for delivering a wide range of effective financial management and reporting responsibilities.
You will also be part of a wider Finance team who you will work closely and collaboratively with, to achieve common objectives.
Your role in maintaining and developing our financial systems means you will have the opportunity to shape how we work moving forward, both in Finance and more widely.
We practice hybrid working, however you would be expected to be in the office at least two days per week.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Rebekah Schoenthal for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 265577 or by emailing rebekah.schoenthal@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) (JPP)
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Can you give an example of how you have maintained financial control and identified opportunities for process improvement within a finance team or organisation?
2. Give an example of how you contributed to the development or maintenance of financial systems and processes. What impact did your contribution have?
3. Tell us about a time when you proactively identified and solved a problem with limited management guidance. What was the outcome?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 24 December 2025.
Interview date: 13 and 14 January 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as an Accountant and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
An opportunity has arisen within our Finance team to support the operation and development of the Council’s financial systems, and to support the delivery of the Council’s core financial responsibilities.
Your role will be pivotal in ensuring that our financial management and reporting is effective, providing the strong foundations which will enable the Council to deliver positive change across the communities the Council serves. You’ll lead on process improvements, automation, and self-service initiatives, while sharing best practice to maximise efficiency. Your responsibilities include supporting system development, testing and implementation, managing reconciliations and month-end processes, maintaining the chart of accounts, and resolving data integrity issues. You’ll collaborate on cross-departmental projects, oversee user acceptance testing, and mentor colleagues through process changes. With strong Excel and data analytics skills, and ideally experience in Power BI, you’ll document current and future processes, manage multiple projects, and provide innovative solutions. This is a hands-on role requiring discretion, initiative, and problem-solving ability, as well as deputising for your line manager when needed.
You will need
- to be AAT qualified
- financial experience and knowledge, preferably gained from a public sector background
- to work as part of a team to achieve goals and objectives successfully, working collaboratively and constructively with staff across different grades and services
- to be trustworthy, diligent and motivated, and able to work without close supervision
- to be adaptable to meet changing requirements and needs
- good communication skills and the ability to explain technical/financial information in simple terms.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will be part of the Corporate Finance team, a team of eleven who are responsible for delivering a wide range of effective financial management and reporting responsibilities.
You will also be part of a wider Finance team who you will work closely and collaboratively with, to achieve common objectives.
Your role in maintaining and developing our financial systems means you will have the opportunity to shape how we work moving forward, both in Finance and more widely.
We practice hybrid working, however you would be expected to be in the office at least two days per week.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Rebekah Schoenthal for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 265577 or by emailing rebekah.schoenthal@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) (JPP)
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Can you give an example of how you have maintained financial control and identified opportunities for process improvement within a finance team or organisation?
2. Give an example of how you contributed to the development or maintenance of financial systems and processes. What impact did your contribution have?
3. Tell us about a time when you proactively identified and solved a problem with limited management guidance. What was the outcome?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 24 December 2025.
Interview date: 13 and 14 January 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.