AAT Finance Apprenticeship Network Rail

Are you looking to build a long-term career in Accountancy? Then look no further! Start your career today with a level 3 AAT apprenticeship with Network Rail and Kaplan continuing on to AAT L4 and L7. You will be gaining valuable workplace experience including balance sheet reconciliations and variance analysis and reporting.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 05 Oct 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £17,000.00

    Please note, the starting salary is £17,000. There will be opportunities during the scheme to received pay awards, based on your placement and exam performance.

  • Working week

    37.5 Hours, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

    Total hours per week: 37.5

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    20 Oct 2023

  • Date posted

    29 Aug 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000191627

  • Positions

    2 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

Our Level 3 Finance Apprenticeship Scheme is an alternative route to university and provides a unique opportunity to understand different aspects of finance and how they all interact with the wider business. You’ll enjoy generous study support; with the time and space you need to complete your qualifications. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your learning into practice.?

You’ll be mentored and guided by former graduates and senior finance leaders, who will empower you to grow and develop. Working independently, you’ll learn how to excel in high pressured environments. And, as we’re big believers in agile and flexible working and promoters of a diverse and inclusive culture, we’ll encourage you to bring your whole self to work every day?

As an Apprentice you’ll rotate across a range of placements and a variety of departments giving you a unique experience of how finance works within Network Rail. You’ll support finance teams with forecasting, budgeting and analysis as well as taking the lead on meetings and reporting to senior members of the company. Combining a wide variety of live projects and off the job training you’ll hone your skills as a future leader.

This is a 5 year scheme which will see you complete AAT L3, AAT L4 and CIMA L7.

For the first 2 and a half years you will be doing:

You’ll complete rotational placements along with studying for the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification as part of the Level 3 and Level 4 apprentice programme.

Alongside this, you’ll gain business knowledge through your various rotations and be involved in a variety of periodic management accounting activities such as:

  • Balance sheet reconciliations
  • Variance analysis and reporting
  • Business partnering with non-finance functions 

For the remainder of the scheme:

From year 4 onwards, you’ll be able to undertake placements in our route businesses within the regions whilst studying the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification as part of Level 7 apprenticeship. You are encouraged to use the experience you’ve gained from projects, the understanding of transactional accounting and the knowledge of policies and procedures to add real value to the business areas you’ll be working in.

Due to the huge amount of exposure and experience you gain in the early years of the scheme; you’ll often be in demand to complete complex projects for finance leaders.

You’ll also have the support of your line manager and your apprenticeship talent coach in developing your Personal Development Plan (PDP). Our programme includes opportunities to collaborate with other apprentices and attend development days and volunteering opportunities.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Level 3 - AAT

This Level 3 programme builds on the foundations for entry level talent to support growth within an Accountancy and Finance function.

Employees on this apprenticeship will ensure an Accountancy and Finance practice performs in the most effective way. It includes the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and provides the opportunity for them to support the business with essential skills and behaviours to drive results.

You will learn how to prepare financial statements for Sole Traders and Partnerships, the importance of management accounting information, and how to prepare VAT returns. You’ll develop the technical skills to start, or progress, your career in accountancy and this will allow you to continue with your studies onto Level 4.

To pass this level you will need to study the following four units:

  • Financial Accounting; Preparing Financial Statements (FAPS)
  • Management Accounting Techniques (MATS)
  • Tax Processes for Business (TPFB)
  • Business Awareness (BUAW)

You will also be required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which will include a synoptic assessment and discussion with supporting portfolio.

Training will be provided by attending either face-to-face classroom based lessons or Live Online. An apprenticeship has to be relevant to the job you are undertaking and you must dedicate time to off the job training, as well as completing knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with your apprenticeship.

Details of the higher qualifications can be found at kaplan.co.uk

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be given the support you need to continue your career at Network Rail and move into one of our finance roles. The Finance Apprentice scheme is now in its seventh year (launched in 2015), and we’re proud to say that its first cohort are working in permanent roles in the company. This is because we believe in recognising, developing and promoting talent.
At the end of your 5-year scheme, you would be eligible to apply for Finance Business Partner roles and earn a salary in the range of £41,000 – £46,000. Those on a 3-year regional scheme will be eligible to apply for Assistant Management Accountant roles.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 9/A*-4/C) Essential
GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 9/A*-4/C) Essential

Things to consider

Benefits include: 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays. 5 volunteer days to contribute to your favourite causes. Access to our employee assistance program, to help you with any finance, family, health or wellbeing issues you have. Up to 75% discount on rail and underground season tickets. Discounted online shopping. Healthcare club membership discount. Childcare vouchers. Access to a range of pension and insurance schemes. Two weeks paid reserve leave for members of our Armed Forces community. Please note, the starting salary is £17,000. There will be opportunities during the scheme to received pay awards, based on your placement and exam performance.

About the employer

As a public sector arm’s length body of the Department for Transport, we retain the commercial and operational freedom to manage Britain’s railway infrastructure in England, Wales and Scotland within regulatory and control frameworks. Our purpose Is to get people and goods where they need to be, and to support Great Britain’s economic prosperity.

Employer

Network Rail

Address

The Quadrant MK, Elder Gate,

Milton Keynes

MK9 1EN

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Training

Training provider

KAPLAN FINANCIAL LIMITED

Apprenticeship standard

Assistant accountant

Level 3 (A level)

Employer's Application Instructions

To apply, you must register with GetMyFirstJob and then follow the instructions to complete your application.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 05 Oct 2023