BCP Council
Accountant Level 1

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Accountant Level 1
Accountant Level 1 – BCP Council
Starting salary: £34,434 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)
This role is part of a defined pay band, offering transparent career progression. All new starters begin at the entry point, ensuring fairness and consistency. Join a forward-thinking workplace where growth and impact are encouraged—#BeTheDifference.
Internal promotions typically start at the bottom of the band, except when moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band remains unchanged.
More than just a job
BCP Council is investing in creating thriving communities by delivering exceptional financial services while navigating economic challenges. This Accountant Level 1 position ensures accurate financial records, efficient reconcilement, and operational stability.
Role Purpose
The Accountant Level 1 plays a critical role in maintaining BCP’s financial integrity by:
- Processing income streams (imports/eReturns) to feed into the daily bank reconciliation.
- Ensuring data integrity through verification checks.
- Collaborating with colleagues and third-party suppliers to resolve discrepancies.
You’ll also:
- Complete key corporate controls, including business rates and fiscal year close processes.
- Improve operational efficiency by refining processes and adopting new technologies.
- Comply with annual internal and external audit standards with meticulous record-keeping.
Main Responsibilities
- Process daily income payments and reconciliations to uphold residents’ financial accuracy and council management transparency.
- Act as the primary liaison with core suppliers, including Barclays, Cardnet, and POS systems.
- Support customers and third parties in resolving queries—such as unallocated payments, transfers, or missing transactions.
- Manage system administration for BCP’s banking solutions (Barclays, Pay360) to maintain secure permissions and audit trails.
- Utilise specialist knowledge to streamline working processes, promote best practice, and deliver recommendations to leadership.
- Transfer insights to the Income & Banking Team, enhancing service delivery.
- Perform additional duties as required within the role scope.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
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The Ideal Candidate
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified to Level 3 AAT}.
- Proficiency in MS Dynamics 365 (Business Central/NAV) and Pay360.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word).
- Practical experience in financial transactions, reconciliations, and multi-system integrations.
- Demonstrable skills in audit oversight, data reconciliation, and process optimisation.
- Ability to handle complex customer queries with professionalism.
- Experience in coaching, training, or mentoring.
Key Attributes
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills—leveraging both verbal and written clarity.
- Ability to resolve collaborator and client challenges constructively.
- Proactive and outcome-focused, with a strong risk-management mindset.
- Adaptable and resourceful for fast-paced, evolving workloads.
- Committed to customer-centric improvements and innovation.
- Dedicates time to ongoing professional development.
- Promotes inclusivity and empathy when addressing diverse stakeholders.
- Works well both as an independent contributor and a collaborative team player.


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Our Benefits
BCP Council offers a compelling benefits package:
- Competitive pay starter of £34,434 with flexible opportunities.
- Career support and progression within a transparent Pay Band.
- Enhanced workspace resources chosen for both efficiency and employee well-being.
- Opportunities to shape high-impact services in a respected local council—helping shape the future of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
Commitment to Inclusion
BCP is a Disability Confident Employer, actively ensuring accessibility at every stage of recruitment and employment.
If you require adjustments or support during the application process or interviews, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
Why Join BCP?
At BCP Council, we strive to be more than just providers of public services—we are a community of ambitious leaders. With over 5,000 employees dedicated to supporting 400,000 residents, we transform daily lives and serve a beloved coastal region.
Be part of an organisation that values your growth, skills, and passion for making a difference. Define your career here at BCP—Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council.
Next Steps
Interested? Speak with Simon Harridge, Income & Banking Team Manager for an informal discussion:
📞 01202 093448
Note: This role does not offer visa sponsorship.
About BCP Council
More than 15 miles of world-famous coastline, diverse counselling services, and a dynamic workforce of 5.000 professionals. Join us to help build a prosperous, inclusive, and thriving future.
🌐 [Employee benefits](Employee benefits | Working for BCP) 🌐 Learn more about career opportunities
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