Position: Accounting Technician

Organisation: Bristol City Council
Location: City Hall, College Green, Bristol (hybrid working options available)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (37 hours/week)

🧾 About the Role

Bristol City Council is committed to high standards of financial management and accountability across its services. We are seeking an experienced Accounting Technician to join the Finance & Business Support Team. You’ll help maintain accurate financial records, support reporting requirements, and ensure compliance with internal and external financial controls.

📋 Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase invoices, expense claims, and sales invoices using the Council’s finance system.

• Perform reconciliations of bank and ledger accounts, resolving discrepancies.

• Assist with periodic financial reports (e.g., monthly management accounts, budget variance analysis).

• Monitor budget allocations and expenditure across services, flagging anomalies early.

• Support the year-end close process, working with external auditors and preparing supporting documentation.

• Maintain financial records in compliance with the Council’s Financial Regulations and audit standards.

• Participate in internal financial control reviews and assist in implementing improvements.

• Provide administrative support to budget holders and respond to general finance queries.

• Help train colleagues in financial processes and systems where needed.

✅ Essential Qualifications & Experience

• AAT-qualified (Level 3 or above) or equivalent accounting/finance qualification or demonstrable experience.

• Experience working with accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Civica, OpenGov).

• Strong numeracy skills and attention to detail.

• Understanding of accruals accounting, VAT, and council financial regulations.

• Ability to produce accurate reconciliations and financial reports.

• Good organisational skills with ability to manage competing deadlines.

• Clear verbal and written communication skills.

🎓 Desirable Qualifications & Attributes

• Experience working in local government or the public sector.

• Working knowledge of budget setting and forecasting procedures.

• Experience supporting external audits or statutory returns.

• Familiarity with Excel and financial reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

• Experience training or mentoring junior staff.

🌟 What We Offer

• Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements with core-hour accountability

• Generous holiday entitlement, including public holidays and extra “council closure” days

• Professional development opportunities, including support for AAT/CIMA/ACA progression

• Access to wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance, and staff networks

• A collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement

🧭 How to Apply

1. Visit Bristol City Council’s recruitment portal: bristol.gov.uk/jobs

2. Complete the online application, uploading a CV and a covering statement (max 2 pages) addressing essential criteria with examples.

🌍 Equality & Inclusion

Bristol City Council is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or other access requirements.