Trainee Accountant

- THE ROLE –

The purpose of the role is to support the delivery of robust financial planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure the organization uses resources effectively. The post holder will assist the FP&A team with data analysis, forecasting and compliance activities, contributing to sound financial management and service improvement.

The role is supported by a fully funded training package covering AAT (if required) and ACCA qualification, including external courses and exams. A separate training contract will be provided to detail this.

Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Assist in preparing and processing financial journals to support month end, quarter end and year end reporting cycles.
• Review, reconcile and summarise financial data sets for management reporting.
• Support the preparation of monthly performance reports, forecasts and KPI dashboards.
• Participate in variance analysis, identifying key performance drivers and providing clear explanations.
• Assist with budget monitoring by analysing spend, trends and projections.

2. Forecasting, Budgeting & Planning
• Support the annual budget and periodic re forecasting processes.
• Help gather financial and operational inputs from stakeholders.
• Contribute to modelling activities by preparing data, templates and schedules.
• Work with senior finance staff to ensure planning cycles run smoothly and on time.

3. Audit, Compliance & Governance
• Assist in collecting, organising and presenting audit evidence, including documentation for grant claims.
• Maintain clear and accurate process notes, working papers, and audit trails.
• Support compliance with internal controls, financial policies and regulatory requirements.

4. Systems, Data & Process Improvement
• Use electronic filing systems and Outlook to organise workload and maintain structured records.
• Support system enhancement and data improvement initiatives (e.g., testing new finance system features, improving data accuracy).
• Help maintain and update financial models, templates and reporting tools.
• Contribute ideas to streamline processes and improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting.

5. Operational & Team Support
• Respond to telephone, written and electronic finance queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide support for workload peaks, including covering colleagues during holidays and absence.
• Assist with documentation of standard operating procedures and departmental guidance.
• Support colleagues across the wider finance department when required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade.

6. Training, Development & Professional Growth
• Apply skills gained through training and development to support FP&A activities.
• Show commitment to continuous learning in areas such as financial analysis, Excel/Power BI, systems, forecasting and budgeting practices.
• Participate in team meetings, knowledge sharing and cross departmental projects to broaden understanding of the finance function.

Please refer to the job description for details on the essential criteria required for this role.

- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -

- Annual leave entitlement is 28 days’, plus 8 bank holidays and 4 University closure days pro rata
- For information on our staff benefits, please copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/jobs
- This post is not eligible for sponsorship

Closing date: 08th March 2026

Interview date: TBC