CIPFA Graduate Programme

Kickstart Your Career in Finance at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on the CIPFA Graduate Programme!, Throughout the graduate scheme, you will be fully supported by a CIPFA coach, your line manager, and other CIPFA trainees. We foster a culture of working as One Team where you will have access to a network of public sector financial experts to help you develop into a well-rounded qualified accountant. Support, guidance and training will be given to the post holder to assist in effective delivery of responsibilities.

Our graduate scheme entails 3.5 years of rotational placements alongside achieving public sector specific accounting qualifications (CIPFA Level 7).

The post-holder will model the Council's values and behaviours to help us achieve our ambition of creating and maintaining a resilient and high-performing finance function. You can expect to get involved in tasks such as:

Liaising with budget managers to provide support in monitoring budgets.
Monthly forecasting processes.
Year-end closedown tasks.
Budget setting processes.
Bank reconciliations.
Preparation of financial accounts and liaising with auditors.

A minimum of a 2:1 degree, preferably in a finance related field but we also invite candidates with non-finance degrees who are keen to work in the sector.
A commitment to self-development and an eagerness to forge a career in finance.
Someone who can plan, organise, and manage their responsibilities effectively.
Someone who can work collaboratively with various teams.
Demonstrates an ability to analyse problems and come up with ideas, with an attention to detail.
A flexible approach to work to accommodate changing priorities.
Can work under pressure with deadlines in a past-faced challenging environment.
Post-holders are expected to pass all competencies and exams depending on their applicable level within the CIPFA trainee scheme.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council - a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

Train to be a qualified accountant
We are looking for motivated, driven graduates to join our finance teams within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council and the Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund. This is an opportunity designed for graduates who are keen to join the world of public finance and make a positive impact on their local community. You will train to become a dedicated finance profession with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

What we offer:
32 days of annual leave
Clear career progression and financial incentives for progressing through the accountancy examinations.
Hybrid working, with office attendance 2-3 days a week, remaining days will be either at college or can be worked from home.
Rotational placements in key areas of the council and the Pension Fund involving an extensive exposure to their operations.
Study and exam leave in addition to annual leave.
Day release to attend CIPFA tuition (Up to twice per week).
Support from our current CIPFA trainees.
Free Employee Parking close to the offices.
Generous Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover (3 times of annual salary).
Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.