Plymouth City Council
Lead Accountant (Education Finance)

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This vacancy is only available for applications from existing Internal Plymouth City Council employees and Agency Workers who are in an active placement and have 12 weeks continuous service. Applications submitted by External candidates who do not meet this criteria will not be considered and will be rejected.
Lead Accountant (Education Finance Team)
Grade H | Full Time | Permanent
Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career?
We're looking for a talented and ambitious accountant to join the Education Finance team as a Lead Accountant. This is an exciting opportunity to broaden your experience, influence key decisions, and play a vital role in supporting the Council's financial sustainability and delivery of its priorities.
As a Lead Accountant, no two days are the same. Depending on the team, you could find yourself supporting major regeneration projects, developing financial strategies, contributing to company accounts and statutory reporting or working alongside services to help deliver better outcomes for residents.
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing high-quality financial advice and challenge to managers and senior stakeholders.
- Producing insightful financial analysis, forecasts and reports to support decision-making.
- Contributing to financial planning, budget management and statutory reporting.
- Identifying risks, opportunities and innovative solutions to financial challenges.
- Supporting and developing colleagues, helping to build capability across the wider finance team.
- Driving continuous improvement in financial systems, processes and ways of working.
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?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
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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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
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
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We're Looking For
You'll be someone who enjoys solving problems, building strong relationships and making a difference through finance. You'll have:
- Part CCAB qualification (or equivalent), or be fully qualified AAT with relevant experience.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
- Experience of providing financial advice and support to stakeholders.
- The ability to work collaboratively, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- A commitment to continuous professional and personal development.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to develop their technical expertise, gain exposure to a wide range of financial disciplines and take on a role with real influence across the organisation. Join us and help shape the future of finance at Plymouth City Council.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
For an informal discussion, please contact: Helen Slater on Helen.slater@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing Date: Wednesday 30 September
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK
Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career.
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