Employment at elections - Accountant

An Accountant is responsible for reconciling the ballot papers accounts and all the counted votes for the constituency or ward they have been assigned to undertake. The count is undertaken in the presence of candidates, their counting agents or other observers

Accountants have a very important role which is undertaken in a pressurized environment and the greatest of care must be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made. 

You will be paid as per the rate of fees for the Count role undertaken.

As an Accountant you will:

• Complete e-Training or attend briefing if required
• Have read and agreed to the terms of the Secrecy provisions
• Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of material handled
• Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates, agents, councillors or guests
• Act upon instructions from the Returning Officer and Deputes

Accountants will work in teams of varying sizes and will be expected to:

• Collate all the verification and count figures into the spreadsheets  (electronic and hard copy versions) to calculate totals and produce accurate figures for the Returning Officer
• Request Count Supervisors and their teams to recount votes
• Flag any discrepancies to the Returning Officer
• Prepare the declaration of result for the poll for the Returning Officer
• Comply with the requirements of health and safety legislation at all times, taking due care of themselves, colleagues and others in attendance
• Be prepared to work until the count concludes (adequate breaks and drinks will be provided)
• Be required to sign their agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll

Count Staff employed are not permitted to have carried out duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election. 

Essential

• Previous accountancy experience
• Excellent numeracy skills and attention to detail
• Good timekeeping
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to treat people with fairness and respect at all times
• Ability to remain politically neutral and not support a political party / candidate at the elections
• Not connected to, nor will assist, any candidate or party at the election
• Ability to comply with the requirement for secrecy and instructions regarding the use of social media

Desirable

• Ability to work as a team member