Job Description
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Post Title: Trainee Accountant
Responsible to (Post Title): Management Accountant
Will report to other line managers during the period of the traineeship as and when experience is
required to satisfy the professional competencies of training towards a CCAB recognised
qualification.
Initial 3 year fixed term contract with an option to extend
Last Update: June 2014
Version Number: VFinal
2. PRINCIPAL JOB PURPOSE
The role involves experience in all areas of the Finance section including year end accounting,
management accounting and grant and capital accounting.
Monthly management accounting and involvement in the preparation of the annual financial
statements will be a constant feature of this role and the level of responsibility will increase over
time.
Experience will be provided to enable the post-holder to satisfy the professional competencies
required of a CCAB accountancy body.
The post-holder is expected to gain valuable work experience, to contribute to the work of the
department and to gain a nationally recognised accountancy qualification by the end of the initial 3
year fixed term contract.
Methods of study are flexible and day release will provided if required.
3. MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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To deputise for the Assistant Management Accountant during absence and assist the
Management Accountant in the duties of this post where required;

Assist in the preparation of the College annual accounts providing working papers and
reports on request of the Management Accountant;

Assist in prepare the monthly management accounts providing reports, completing journal
entries and closing the ledger at the month end in conjunction with the Finance Officer;

Actively participate in the supply of information to facilitate the efficient audit of the Annual
Accounts;
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Liaise and provide information to Internal Auditors where required;

Assist in the preparation of the financial procedures

Provide information and support under the direction of the Management Accountant to
enable the production of the monthly and quarterly ONS returns;

Prepare and assist with the reconciliations of control accounts including, payroll, creditor,
fixed asset, debtor and other balance sheet accounts;

Prepare adhoc financial reports or complete project work under the direction of the
Management Account; and

Prepare adhoc journal entries as required.
General

Keep abreast of current developments which may be relevant to the College’s financial
management;

promote and encourage Equality & Diversity in all aspects of College operations;

respect the confidentiality of matters relating to learners and staff;

understand and comply with the requirements of the regulatory framework for colleges in
particular the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act;

ensure the Health and Safety of staff and students in all aspects of College activity by
exercising a duty of care for personal health and safety and that of others who may be
affected by their actions; and

carry out any other duty commensurate with the post as required by the Management
Accountant or Finance Officer.
4. COMMUNICATIONS (Internal & External)
The Trainee Accountant will communicate regularly using a variety of methods with key internal
and external stakeholders and partners.
5. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The Management Accountant with set financial and operational objectives for the Trainee
Accountant under the guidance of the Head of Finance.
6. Essential KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications:
 Holds a relevant SCQF Level 9 Qualification
 Committed to train and study towards a recognised accredited qualification
Knowledge:
Demonstrable knowledge of
 Operational knowledge of electronic finance systems; and
Basic bookkeeping knowledge
Skills and Competencies:
 Works well with in a team;
 Effective communication skills;
 Ability to work under own initiative;
 Good IT skills;
 Time management skills.
Experience:
 Experience of working within a Finance department;
.
7. WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Physical:
 The post will involve office-based work, which will involve the use of a PC but will also
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involve the post-holder frequently travelling to external meetings;
Keyboard skills for production of paperwork and reports;
Moving between meetings
Will be required to move between all the colleges campuses; and
Mobile communications.
Working environment:
 Partly office based but will require to work around all of the main campuses and may be
required to travel where this is required to meet College objectives.