CIPFA Trainee

Job Introduction

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to leading positive change and making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer, and healthier county. We work in partnership with local communities, public sector organisations, and businesses to deliver high-quality services that support the wellbeing and prosperity of our residents. Our vision is underpinned by a set of clear priorities, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and continuous improvement in public services.

Oxfordshire is proud of its diverse communities. We are dedicated to promoting equality, supporting vulnerable people, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our teams are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference for the people who live and work here.

Join us and be part of an organisation that values learning, kindness, integrity, and the courage to do things differently.

About the Role

Join Oxfordshire County Council as a CIPFA Level 7 Apprentice and work towards Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) membership. This role offers structured placements across finance areas such as corporate finance, business partnering, and operations, giving you hands-on experience while you study.

You’ll gain experience in financial planning, reporting, and projects, developing technical and professional skills that underpin a successful career in public finance. To be eligible for the apprenticeship, applicants must be 21 years of age or below before commencement of studies in September 2026 (based on central government funding criteria), hold a relevant degree or AAT Level 4 qualification, and demonstrate strong numeracy, analytical ability, and clear communication skills.

About you

You’re eager to build a career in public finance and committed to completing the CIPFA Level 7 Apprenticeship. You meet the eligibility criteria (including being under 22 years of age before studies commence, based on central government funding criteria), holding a relevant degree or AAT Level 4 qualification, and have strong numeracy, analytical, and communication skills.

You can manage time effectively, balance study with work, and produce clear, accurate written work. Proficient in IT and spreadsheets, you work well independently and as part of a team, showing professionalism, integrity, and a logical approach to problem solving.

Experience in finance or business is desirable, but your willingness to learn and uphold our values of responsibility, inclusion, and innovation is essential.

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working 
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays 
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Please note that the vacancy may be closed earlier than the application deadline depending on the number of applications received.

Interviews:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an applicant day in April.

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