Location: Lisburn
Hours: Full-Time (Mon to Fri 37.5 hours)
Salary: £19.72 per hour
Contract: Temporary 6 months with possible extension

About the Role:

MPA Recruitment, on behalf of our public sector client, is recruiting for an Accounting Technician to join the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Pensions Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to support a specialist pensions team responsible for delivering the McCloud and Matthews Pension Remedy Programme, ensuring pension and pay-related data is produced accurately and within legislative deadlines.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the delivery of financial and pension services while working closely with management and stakeholders to ensure high standards of financial reporting, data accuracy and customer service.

This position offers a hybrid working arrangement, typically allowing up to 2 days working from home, subject to business requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Pensions & Financial Support

• Support the Pensions Team with the production of accurate pension and pay-related data.
• Assist with the implementation of the McCloud and Matthews Pension Remedy Programme.
• Prepare journals, complete month-end reconciliations and maintain accurate financial records.
• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts, financial reports and statutory returns.
• Assist in producing financial forecasts, budgets and variance reports.
• Prepare information for year-end accounts and audit requirements.

Financial Administration

• Maintain accurate financial information using computerised accounting systems.
• Process financial data and maintain supporting documentation.
• Assist with treasury management activities and finance reconciliations.
• Produce ad-hoc financial reports using Microsoft Excel and other finance systems.

Data Management & Governance

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, financial regulations and records management policies.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate financial information.
• Assist with Freedom of Information requests and financial data reporting where required.
• Maintain accurate electronic and manual records.

Systems & Service Improvement

• Assist with maintaining finance systems and identifying improvements to processes.
• Support ongoing service improvement initiatives and system developments.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Finance and other departments.

What We’re Looking for?

Essential Criteria

Applicants must clearly demonstrate the following:

• 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics.

Please ensure GCSE subjects and grades are clearly listed on your CV.

• A minimum of 2 years' experience working within a Finance environment in a medium to large organisation.
• Experience preparing journals and completing month-end reconciliations.
• Experience using a computerised accounting system.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including analysing and reporting financial data.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience working within a Pensions Team.
• Experience processing pension or payroll-related financial information.
• Fully qualified Accounting Technician (AAT/ATI or equivalent recognised professional body).
• Experience working within the Public Sector or Local Government.

Additional Information:

• An Access NI Check may be required for this role.

What we can offer you:

• Weekly pay
• Holiday pay
• Pension contribution
• 24/7 support from our dedicated recruitment consultants
• Access to a wide range of public sector opportunities
• Ongoing role availability — if one placement ends, we aim to secure another.

Why Apply?

• Join the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Finance Team.
• Play a key role in a nationally important pension remedy programme.
• Develop your experience within pensions, finance and public sector accounting.
• Work in a collaborative and supportive professional environment.
• Gain valuable experience with hybrid working arrangements.

MPA Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer.