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Job description

In 2024 the NICS successfully launched a new Trainee Chartered Accountant Scheme. Now in the third year of the scheme, the NICS has at least 10 further places for self-motivated and enthusiastic individuals who are keen to progress their career in finance. These trainees will join, and be supported by, the existing trainees and the wider community of finance professionals across NICS. You will need commitment and discipline to cope with the long periods of study and revision. You will also need to be positive about the prospect of returning to the classroom. As a Trainee Chartered Accountant, the NICS will offer you a chance to gain hands-on practical experience of public sector finance, while also being supported to obtain the Chartered Accountancy Qualification with CAI. This provides you with an opportunity to pursue and progress your career in the NICS as part of the Finance Profession. This booklet provides further information on the Trainee Chartered Accountant Scheme and some of the key duties you will undertake in the role. We have also included important information on the selection process. Trainee Accountants will be expected to attend the office in line with business needs. It is envisaged that some element of home working and/or remote working may be possible, in line with the NICS Hybrid Working policy and business needs.

Responsibilities

• Analysis of financial data
• Assist with in-year budget management and monitoring, monthly budget profiling, variance analysis and reporting
• Assist with the production of monthly and/or quarterly management accounting information
• Assist with the preparation of departmental or agency Annual Reports and Accounts in accordance with HM Treasury and Department of Finance guidance incorporating GAAP/IFRS
• Dealing with internal and external auditors including the Northern Ireland Audit Office
• Ensuring data and reconciliations are accurate and complete
• Assist with the development and review of financial IT systems
• Providing advice and guidance on the use and interpretation of financial information, accounting requirements and best practice
• Assist with drafting and implementation of financial policies, procedures and controls
• Assist with the preparation of reports; presenting information to colleagues and stakeholders, supporting financial summaries and reviews; provide guidance on financial matters to support cost centre managers
• Use of activity based costing and benchmarking techniques
• Promote good corporate governance across the organisation, improving the quality of information/data provided including work with/for internal audit
• Assist with the financial processing function including General Ledgers/Purchase Ordering
• Pro-actively participate in your own development plan as agreed with your line manager
• Please note: As the remit of the NICS is very diverse, the above list is not meant to be exhaustive but aims to give a good indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties will vary over time according to business needs.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• An Honours Degree (minimum 2.2 or equivalent in any discipline (or graduating in summer 2026 with a predicted 2.2).
• Or ATI First Year Examination (Level 4 Certificate for Accounting Technicians) achieved with merit or better (or be due to complete this in summer 2026)
• Or ATI Second Year Examination (Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians) achieved with pass or better (or be due to complete this in summer 2026).

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 10th April at 12pm. Applications from young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.