Job Description

Job description
We're looking for a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Finance team as a Trainee Accountant. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience across different areas of the department while studying towards a professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA). You'll play a key role in supporting the Council's financial operations and ensuring high standards of financial control.



We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

You'll work across different areas of the Finance department, supporting routine tasks and major projects. Day-to-day, you'll help maintain accurate financial records and contribute to internal accounting standards.



Key responsibilities include:


Preparing and checking financial information for accuracy. Inputting and reconciling data across various systems to the Council's general ledger. Maintaining detailed records and working papers to support tasks. Correcting coding errors and allocating cash in the Council's accounts. Providing administrative assistance and support on projects.

About you

You'll be committed to developing your career in finance and achieving your accountancy qualification with first-time passes. You'll bring enthusiasm, flexibility, and a strong attention to detail to everything you do.



We're looking for someone who has:


A degree or equivalent qualification, or progress through a financial/administrative apprenticeship. We also welcome applications from those in their final year of study.

Minimum entry requirements for CIPFA:


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) Scottish, Northern and Southern Ireland equivalents are accepted BTEC and SCOTVEC national certificates are accepted Minimum vocational requirement is NVQ/GNVQ level 3, or Scottish equivalent

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.




Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this

Work Together as one team -

work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency -

show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious -

be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading -

maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.



A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:


Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact chloe.hennessy@reading.gov.uk



Closing Date: Sunday 25th January 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Process: To be confirmed