If you are an AAT or degree qualified candidate looking to undertake a professional finance qualification and gain valuable experience within the public sector, then this might be the role for you. We currently have a vacancy for a Trainee Accountant within our Major Programmes team that’s responsible for delivering a professional accounting service across a portfolio of Major Programmes, totalling more than £3bn.
You’ll need to business partner with your external counterparts within Local Authorities, and hone in on your stakeholder management skills internally too.
You will have the fantastic opportunity to be funded and supported for a CIPFA Level 7 Professional Accountancy qualification through our organisation. Upon completion of this qualification you will be CCAB qualified and ready to take on responsibilities of a professional accountant. (Undertaking this qualification is a requirement of this role)
What will you be doing?
- Prepare workings and journals for month-end and annual financial reporting
- Assist with cash-flow forecasts for expenditure across WMCA Major Programmes
- Review and assess project spend and forecasts provided by Local Authority partners
- Assist with the accurate submission of Major Programme capital and revenue budgets, ensuring they are fully supported by sound assumptions and reviewed regularly in line with the annual budgeting cycle
- Manage the effective and efficient operation of the Major Programme grant claim process ensuring WMCA adhere to the established deadlines and reimbursement to stakeholders are progressed in a prompt manner
- Ensure that all external reimbursements of Major Programme funding are supported by accurate workings, robust checks and appropriate supporting evidence
- Work alongside internal and external stakeholders, including Local Authority Members, to facilitate the delivery of Major Programmes
- Assist with year-end statutory audit requests as required
- Invest in your professional development and continuous improvement through formal training within a dynamic working environment
About you
We are looking for a dynamic and proactive candidate who has a dedicated approach to completing their CIPFA qualification with us. In addition, you’ll need the following:
- Level 4 AAT or Degree (or equivalent) qualified with a minimum of a 2:1, ideally in a relevant subject
- Three GCSEs, grades A-C (or grades 4 and up), and two A-Levels, grades A-C, or accepted equivalent (subjects must include Maths and English at either level)
- Proven stakeholder management experience
- Intermediate skill level with MS packages including Excel
- Strong numeracy skills
Please note that the first stage in the process will be an online knowledge test. Then successful candidates will be invited to attend the office for a final interview which will include an exercise and formal interview.
Please note this is NOT a graduate scheme, where you would undertake a rotation into different areas of the business.
About us
WMCA is committed to a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region. This is our vision. We will achieve our vision through living our values which are central to how we work and interact with our wider partners and stakeholders.
We’re a partnership organisation. Our people feel valued and respected, have a can-do attitude and are innovators. We try new ways of doing things, we aren’t afraid to fail, learn from what went wrong and try again. Our people are empowered to be creative and explore and innovate.
As an organisation, we will continue to adapt and develop to the opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to transform ourselves and our organisation into the best we can be, underpinned by our values and behaviours and everyone contributes towards achieving our vision.
Furthermore, wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance. We are very happy to discuss a flexible working pattern that suits your needs, so please do not let that be a barrier to applying. If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.
Starting salary £32,601.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.
We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it’s needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people’s lives, every day.
Our values and behaviours
Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.
- Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region
- Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands
- Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive
- Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future
Right to work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
