Trainee Accountant

Closing Date: 5th November 2026

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £29,361 - £30,912

Hours: 35 per week

Are you looking to start or develop your career in accountancy while making a positive impact in local government?

Stirling Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Trainee Accountant to join our Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience across a wide range of local government finance activities while working towards a professional accountancy qualification.

As a Trainee Accountant, you will support the delivery of high-quality financial services across the Council, working closely with experienced finance professionals to develop your technical knowledge, analytical skills and understanding of public sector finance.

About the Role

• Reporting to the Finance Team Leader, you will assist with the provision of accountancy support services to a range of customers across the Finance Service and wider Council. You will gain experience in key areas of corporate finance, including:.
• Supporting the maintenance of the fixed asset register and related accounting records.
• Assisting with treasury management and other statutory financial processes.
• Supporting the preparation of annual accounts and statutory returns in accordance with relevant accounting standards and legislation.
• Assisting with budget monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Contributing to financial analysis and the development of management information to support decision-making.
• Supporting the implementation and review of financial controls, systems and processes.
• Working collaboratively with finance colleagues and service departments across the Council.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, under the guidance of senior finance staff.
• This role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain broad experience across local government finance while contributing to the Council's financial stewardship and continuous improvement agenda.

About You

We are looking for someone who is keen to learn, develops strong working relationships and has a genuine interest in pursuing a career in accountancy.

Ideally, you will have

• A degree in Accountancy, Finance or a related discipline, or be working towards a recognised professional accountancy qualification.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Good IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• A willingness to learn and develop within a professional finance environment.
• Previous experience within a finance or accounting environment would be desirable but is not essential. Experience of financial systems, including Oracle Fusion, would be advantageous.

What We Offer

Working for a local authority is both challenging and rewarding. As a Trainee Accountant, you will have the opportunity to develop your professional skills, gain exposure to a diverse range of finance activities and play a part in delivering services that make a difference to local communities.

You will be supported by experienced finance professionals and will benefit from structured learning and development opportunities as you progress your career within local government finance.

If you'd like an informal chat about the role, please email Lucy Devlin, Finance Service Manager ([email protected]).

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Level 1 Disclosure check. If your application is progressed after the interview, you will be asked to complete the form and have your details verified.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age (restrictions apply to Modern Apprenticeships), disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.

Additional Salary Information

Stirling Information

The Benefits

30 days annual leave plus 7 public holidays (rising to 35 after 5 years continuous service) Pro-rated for part time roles.

Flexible working including hybrid office/work from home arrangements where the role allows. We have a good balance across our teams, retaining the benefits to work/life balance of working from home part of the week, with the collaborative and social benefits of working from the office 2-3 days per week

Biennial incremental progression until top of your payscale is reached

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. For further details visit https://www.scotlgpsmember.org/about-the-lgps/

Up to 6 months full sick pay and 6 months half pay dependent on length of service

Carers Leave

• Up to 4 weeks paid Paternity Leave
• Access to Health & Wellbeing support
• Ongoing opportunities for Learning & Development
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Lift share Scheme

Car Lease Scheme

Technology Benefit Scheme