Accountancy Assistant

8 Months Contract with a Local Authority Umbrella - £19.16 per hour

• Umbrella Job Purpose As an Accountancy Assistant within the Finance team, you will provide financial support across the service area, assisting with final accounts preparation, annual budget estimates and monthly budgetary control information. You will support financial monitoring, budget preparation and the maintenance of financial systems, ensuring accurate financial information is available to support effective decision-making. You will also assist with grant claims, statistical returns and monitoring expenditure across capital and minor works programmes. You will work closely with Finance Business Partners and non-finance managers, providing financial information, supporting colleagues and contributing to the continuous improvement of financial processes. Key Duties/Accountabilities Assist with the preparation of final accounts, taking responsibility for specific areas and assigned tasks. Support the preparation and development of annual budgets and financial estimates. Provide monthly budgetary control information to support financial monitoring and reporting. Assist with maintaining and developing financial systems and processes. Support financial monitoring across different service areas, completing routine financial tasks and providing accurate information. Prepare and provide relevant financial data for grant claims, statistical returns and statutory submissions. Assist with monitoring expenditure relating to capital programmes and minor works. Communicate financial information effectively to non-finance managers and other colleagues. Support the development of financial awareness and provide guidance to colleagues where required. Maintain accurate financial records and ensure information is reliable and up to date. Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and promote best practice. Use advanced spreadsheet and database skills to analyse and manage financial information. Organise workloads, prioritise tasks and work independently with minimal supervision. Work collaboratively with Finance Business Partners and other departments to support effective financial management. Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the Finance Business Partner. Essential Experience Required Minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades A–C or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. Studying towards or holding AAT Foundation Level, introductory CAT or NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Accounting. Understanding of accounting principles within the public sector. Practical experience in final accounts preparation and/or budgetary control. Experience communicating financial information to non-finance managers. Ability to prepare and complete grant claims and statistical returns is desirable. Strong understanding of financial processes and budget monitoring. Ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively. Strong IT skills, including advanced spreadsheet and/or database knowledge. Ability to organise workloads, set priorities and complete tasks with minimal supervision. Ability to maintain and improve financial processes, following best practice. Good analytical and numerical skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and build positive working relationships. Proactive approach, with the ability to use initiative and make appropriate decisions. Knowledge of public sector accounting and local authority financial procedures. Welsh language skills are desirable. Additional Information to Note Working Hours: 37 hours per week. Location: Newport, South Wales (NP20 4UR). Working Arrangement: Hybrid – 4 days remote and 1 day in the office. Office Attendance: Generally Tuesdays, when the full team attends Interview Date: 23rd November 2026. Interview Process: Online interview via Microsoft Teams. Interview Duration: Approximately 30–40 minutes. Interview Stages: One stage, informal discussion about accounting knowledge, previous experience and relevant skills. Application Deadline: 19th November 2026. Payment Schedule: We work on a bi-weekly payment schedule.