Trainee Accountant – LGA Impact Finance Stream

Introduction

Welcome to the Finance Pathway of Impact – the Local Government Graduate Programme. This four-year pathway combines professional training with real work experience in a council, preparing you for a rewarding career in public-sector finance.

Accountants in local government play a crucial role: they help councils manage resources, deliver essential services, and invest in communities. From supporting children’s services and housing to funding climate action and regeneration projects, finance professionals make a real difference every day.

We welcome graduates from all degree backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and perspectives. What matters most are your values, motivation, and willingness to learn. By joining the pathway, you’ll be part of a diverse cohort of future leaders, helping to build stronger, fairer, and more sustainable communities.

This is your opportunity to grow, contribute, and lead change in local government finance.

What is the finance stream of Impact?

The Finance Pathway is a four-year development programme designed to give graduates the skills and experience needed for a successful career in public finance. During the programme, you will be employed by a participating council, gaining hands-on experience through rotations in areas such as budgeting, pensions, treasury, internal audit, and financial management.

Alongside this practical work, you’ll study for the CIPFA Level 7 qualification, including the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ). Successful completion leads to membership of CIPFA, and the designation Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA), the recognised professional chartered status for public finance specialists.

The programme is not only about technical training but also about preparing you to be a future leader in local government finance. Trainees benefit from dedicated leadership development opportunities and have access to the wider Impact networks and events, supporting professional growth, peer learning, and career progression.

While the Finance Pathway is new, it builds on the long-standing success of the main Impact graduate programme, which for over 20 years has seen its alumni progress into senior leadership roles across local government, other public-sector bodies, and the third and private sectors.

Structure of the Programme

If successful at interview, you will join a participating council on a four-year fixed-term contract. During this time, you’ll rotate through different areas of finance—such as budgeting, pensions, treasury, and internal audit—building a wide range of skills and experience.

Alongside your council role, you’ll study for the CIPFA Level 7 qualification, including the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ), leading to recognition as a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA).

The pathway is about more than technical training. You’ll also take part in leadership development activities and have access to the wider Impact networks and events, supporting your growth as a future finance leader. At the end of the programme, many councils may offer opportunities to apply for permanent roles, and you will carry forward both your professional qualification and a strong platform for career progression.

To help ensure the programme is the right fit for you, we use a four-stage selection process designed around real work scenarios. You can find more about this below in How We Select.

How We Select

Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, transparent, and supportive. It gives you the chance to demonstrate your potential while also experiencing some of the types of challenges you might face as a trainee.

The process has four stages:
1. Initial application – including short online assessments designed to explore your strengths and values.
2. Video interview – you’ll be asked three timed questions designed to explore your motivation and the qualities you could bring to the role.
3. Assessment centre – a half-day session where you’ll take part in a group exercise, presentation, and written exercise. All activities are timed and based on real work scenarios.

If successful at this stage you will be able to select Hackney Council as one of your interview choices.

4. Council interview – if successful at the earlier stages, you’ll be invited to interview with a participating council.

All assessments are based on our Skills and Behaviours Framework, which sets out the key qualities we look for. Candidates who require reasonable adjustments will be fully supported, and we also provide additional support for applicants from underrepresented groups to ensure everyone has the best chance to succeed.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from graduates of any degree subject and background. To be eligible for the Finance Pathway you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• A minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree (achieved or expected) in any subject by August 2026.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent qualification.
• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the four-year programme (please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship)

We’re committed to ensuring the application process is accessible and fair. If you have a disability or require adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can support you to perform at your best.

Salary

Grade SO1 – PO3, £40,404 – £51,228 Full Time
Pay may vary between councils, with some offering higher rates. Salaries are reviewed regularly through national and local pay negotiations.

Participating councils

Over the last two cohorts, 72 graduates have joined the Finance Pathway, working in 23 different councils. This expanding network highlights the strength of the programme and the variety of experiences it offers. As a trainee, you’ll be part of a growing community of finance professionals making a difference across local government.

For Cohort 3, the following councils have already confirmed their participation. The list will continue to be updated as more councils come on board:

London Borough of Hackney, London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Islington, London Borough of Lewisham, London Borough of Enfield, Westminster City Council, City of London Corporation, London Borough of Waltham Forest, London Borough of Newham, London Borough of Hounslow, London Borough of Sutton, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames & London Borough of Wandsworth and London Borough of Barnet.

 

 

Wherever you’re placed, you’ll gain meaningful experience and develop the skills needed for a successful career in public finance.

How to apply

You’ll be able to apply through the online portal by completing a short form and initial assessments.

Closing date: 12.00 pm midday, Tuesday 6th January 2026

Key dates for Cohort 3:

• October 2025-January 2026: Applications open, including online assessments (Situational Judgement Test and Numerical Reasoning Test).
• Mid-January 2026: Video interviews (three timed questions).
• Mid-February 2026: Assessment centres (group exercise, presentation, and written exercise).
• April–May 2026: Council interviews.

We encourage you to apply early to ensure you have enough time to complete each stage of the process.

Key competencies: Skills and Behaviours Framework

The Finance Pathway assessments are based on our Skills and Behaviours Framework, which sets out the key qualities we look for in applicants. These include:

• Working With Others
  Works collaboratively across diverse teams demonstrating sensitivity and respect for individual differences in terms of background, needs, and perspectives. Asks questions and is open to challenge in the pursuit of mutually beneficial solutions.
• Effective Communication
  Articulates information with clarity and purpose both orally and in writing and can adapt approach to meet the needs of the audience. Actively listens to ensure understanding and explains complex concepts in a straightforward manner.
• Planning and Organisation
  Proactively manages own workload effectively and efficiently to balance multiple and varied demands. Is comfortable working on multiple projects or tasks, drawing on effective strategies, tools, and techniques to prioritise tasks.

• Results Focus and Adaptability
  Takes responsibility for getting things done and meeting expectations, with the flexibility to adapt approach in response to changing priorities or new information. Considers the implications of their decisions and actions and remains positive in the face of challenge or setbacks.
• Analysis and Interpretation
  Accurately interprets information from different sources, including financial and non-financial information, to gain insight, solve problems, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Effectively makes links between different sources to identify key trends.
• Motivation for Learning and Personal Resilience
  Proactively seeks out opportunities, both formal and informal, to learn and develop. Values continuous learning, development, and self-improvement. Demonstrates the resilience to manage conflicting priorities and recognises the importance of self-care and boundary setting.
• Commitment to Public Finance Management
  Is passionate and enthusiastic about serving and supporting the needs and interests of the local community through the appropriate spend of public funds. Recognises the broader political/economic landscape on how public finances are managed and how own actions can make a positive impact on achieving sustainable financial solutions.
• Leadership Potential
  Recognises the importance of leading by example through their own work ethic and values. Is comfortable working independently and taking ownership of tasks, whilst providing support and leadership to others.

These competencies will be assessed throughout the process, ensuring candidates are selected on their potential to succeed and grow within the programme.

For more information and to apply please go here:

https://www.local.gov.uk/impact-local-government-graduate-programme-candidates/finance-scheme

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk