Finance Trainee at London Borough of Brent

London, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

06 Jul, 26

Salary

51138.0

Posted On

07 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Financial analysis, Budget setting, Budget monitoring, Financial reporting, Data management, IT systems, Communication skills, Numeracy, Analytical skills, Attention to detail, Public sector finance, Statutory returns, Audit support, Project work

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Salary Range: £37,692 - £51,138 (pro-rata) p.a. incl. London weighting (progression through grades linked to exam success) Contract: Fixed Term Hours of work: 36 hours per week Location: Civic Centre and other locations from time to time Finance Graduate Trainee Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us. The Post We are recruiting for a Finance Trainee to join Brent’s Finance & Resources department and train towards the CIPFA professional qualification. This is a developmental role designed to give you exposure to all areas of local government finance. You will complete structured placements across different finance teams, taking on progressively more complex work as you advance through the CIPFA exams to become a fully qualified accountant. Your training will include hands‑on experience in: * Budget setting, monitoring and financial analysis * Supporting budget holders with financial advice * Preparing management information * Working with financial systems and data * Producing financial statements and statutory returns * Supporting audits and understanding internal controls * Undertaking project work and contributing to service improvements You will be expected to attend college, study independently, and pass all CIPFA examinations at the first attempt. You will join a supportive family of trainees, and this programme has a proven history of developing talent, with former trainees progressing into roles at every level of the finance team, including many who have moved into senior leadership positions. The Person We are looking for a motivated and ambitious individual who is committed to building a career in public sector finance. You will need: * The entry requirements for the Level 7 CIPFA funded Apprenticeship or CIPFA Professional Qualification including 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) * Strong numeracy, analytical skills and attention to detail * Ability to manage data and use IT systems effectively * An interest in public services and local government * The capability to study while balancing work responsibilities * Strong communication skills and the ability to work with colleagues at all levels * A proactive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to take on new challenges * Full details are provided in the attached Job Description. As part of our application please include a supporting statement. Why join us? We know people achieve their best when they feed valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from: * Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays * Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS) [https://www.lgpsmember.org/] * Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles * Supportive family-friendly policies for parent, guardians, and carers * Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme * Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans * Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities * Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career * Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment Closing date: 10 May 2026 (23:59) Start Date: August 2026 (latest) Additional Information If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the essential requirements on the Job description. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement. Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances. The information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas and your data protection rights, can be found here [https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn]. Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk [recruitment@brent.gov.uk] Job Description [https://www.brent.gov.uk/-/media/files/brent-job-descriptions/2026/2867-finance-trainee-jd.pdf]

Responsibilities

The Finance Trainee will complete structured placements across various finance teams to gain hands-on experience in budget management, financial analysis, and statutory reporting. The role involves working towards the CIPFA professional qualification while contributing to service improvements and supporting internal audits.