Testimonials

"As a CIMA accountant with over 25 years of experience in local government, mostly within Bristol City Council, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the financial stability and growth of Bristol, which has been very challenging at times, but equally as rewarding.

Since joining the council, I’ve been fully supported in my professional CIMA training, encouraging me to gain full CIMA membership. I’ve been encouraged to gain a wide variety of financial experience during my career in the Council, working in rewarding services, including Social Care, Education, Corporate and Treasury Management.

I am passionate about supporting and working with service professionals, sharing and offering my expertise.

I manage and support a team of accountants, promoting an environment where continuous learning and development, along with professional growth is paramount.

The council offers many services and projects which require financial input, this has allowed me to apply my skills in a wide variety of different council areas, both in revenue and capital.

I very much enjoy the variety, switching from one service and project to another is interesting and inspiring.

Throughout my career, I’ve championed transparency, efficiency, and accountability, ensuring public resources are managed with the utmost integrity.

Working in a local government financial environment offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on public services and community development.

If you are seeking a rewarding career that combines financial acumen with public service, I strongly recommend local government accounting as a path worth pursuing."

"During my time as an Accounting Apprentice at Bristol City Council, I completed my AAT Level 4 qualification as well as gained promotion to an Accountancy Support Officer.

Throughout my apprenticeship, I picked up and developed a lot of valuable skills. I’ve assisted preparation and monitoring of budgets and provided finance information, advice, and support when needed.

I’ve been responsible for account reconciliations, ensuring financial accuracy and stability of financial systems.

Processing financial data accurately, including budgets and accounting transactions, was a large part of my apprenticeship, helping ensure effective financial management and reporting.

I’ve enjoyed providing training and advice to colleagues and staff on processes and procedures and subsequently developing my communication skillset.

During my time, I’ve also gathered and organised information to support project development, appraisal, and tender evaluation.

Additionally, I’ve managed financial systems, including invoice processing, calculating recharges, and raising debtor invoices.

This apprenticeship experience gave me a solid foundation in financial management and reporting, significantly contributing to the council's financial operations as well as solidifying my passion for accountancy. I am looking forward to continuing my finance journey with Bristol City Council and beginning my CIMA Level 7 studies."