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Trainee Accountant, Stornoway
35 hours per week, Fixed Term for 3 Years
Salary progression through training:

Stage 1: £30,847 per annum
Stage 2: £34,460 per annum
Stage 3: £37,690 per annum
On qualification: £42,179 to £45,592 per annum

Plus Distant Islands Allowance of £2,835 per annum.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Trainee Accountant to join the Strategic Finance team in Stornoway. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience across a range of finance functions while working towards the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) qualification.

In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation in local government finance. You will assist with budget preparation, year-end accounts, financial ledger updates, grant claims, reconciliations, financial returns and internal control processes, gaining valuable experience across a range of accounting activities. As your knowledge and experience grow, in your second year, you will take on greater responsibility in supporting budget and accounts preparation, completing financial and statistical returns, assisting with internal audits, preparing financial information and providing financial support to managers across the Comhairle. By your third year, you will take a lead role in preparing budgets, year-end accounts, grant claims and financial returns. You will also represent the Finance Service at meetings when required and support the development and maintenance of effective financial controls across the organisation.

A structured training programme will provide experience across several areas, including Accountancy, Payroll, Council Tax, Purchase to Pay and Internal Audit. Full support will be provided to undertake the CIPFA qualification, including payment of course fees, study support and mentoring from qualified accountants.

You should be educated to degree level (or equivalent) or qualify for CIPFA mature entry requirements through relevant work experience and be willing to undertake the CIPFA professional training programme.

It is vital you read the Job Description and Person Specification. In your application, please demonstrate clearly how you meet the essential criteria for the post.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

Closing Date: Monday 14 September 2026

Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance.

Please note that sponsorship is not available, or being offered, in connection to this post.

PRIOR TO APPLYING

It is vital that you download and read all of the attached documents to this advert before completing an application form.

Guidance Notes for Applicants will explain our recruitment process and how to complete key information on your application so that you have the best chance of showcasing your skills and experience.

Job Description and Person Specification must be read in order to complete the ‘Experience’ part of the application. You should refer to the person specification and detail where you meet each of the criteria and provide relevant examples of this in your application.

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