Council boost for accounting staff

The Council has been granted accredited employer status with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) for another three years.

This means the Council can itself verify the developing skills of its accounting staff, without each accounting technician having to submit their own continuing professional development return elsewhere.  

The AAT is a London-based international organisation whose members have all achieved a technician level qualification.  

Qualified accounting technicians can undertake exactly the same tasks in a financial environment as most qualified Chartered Accountants apart from - in the UK - signing off companies audit reports.  

However they must prove, via continuous professional development that they are maintaining and developing their skills and keeping up to date with changes in legislation, technology and working practice.  

By being accredited, the Council continues to have the official recognition to make sure these mandatory requirements are being met.

The employer accreditation scheme recognises employers with a positive and planned approach to the professional development of their AAT members, whether through studying for an AAT qualification or, once qualified, supporting them in their continuing professional development.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Corporate Support Services, Councillor Andrew Moring said: "This accreditation is an excellent achievement, which shows how the Council continues to ensure that its accounting staff are trained to the highest level.

"Congratulations to all involved in helping us help our staff keep up the good work."