Finance Assistant Apprentice

Summary

The core focus of this job is to provide financial administrative assistance and support to the finance department and other departments within the organisation, whilst also working towards achievement of the Assistant Accountant (AAT Level 3) apprenticeship.

Wage

£25,584 a year

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Training course

Assistant accountant (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Flexible working arrangements

37 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 28 May 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

You will embark on a rewarding journey combining practical on-the-job experience with theoretical knowledge to develop skills in accounting principles, procedures, and practices. Work under the guidance of experienced professionals to gain hands-on experience in financial transactions, budgeting, and financial reporting.

The duties and responsibilities in this role will involve:

Accounts Payable:

Supporting the Accounts Assistant in accounts payable data entry and reconciling creditor accounts, and dealing with any creditor enquiries
Support running the payment run

Accounts Receivable:

Data entry and reconciliation of debtor invoices
Dealing with any debtor enquiries
Ensuring debtor accounts are cleared in a timely manner

General Ledger:

Preparing journals and posting to the general ledger
Assisting the Financial Accountant and Finance Manager with month-end and year-end procedures and reconciliations

Budgeting:

Have an understanding of departmental budgets and assisting budget holders with budget queries

Other duties

Develop a strong understanding of accounting software and systems used by the Service
Assisting in day-to-day financial activities
Assisting with regulatory financial requirements
Supporting internal and external stakeholders with financial information
Report writing and creating financial presentations for the Financial Accountant and Finance Manager
Assist in data collection for Central & Local Government reporting submissions and other Public Sector bodies
Support in the administration of insurance claims
Gain a sound understanding of accountancy and public sector accounting practices
Pursue ongoing learning and professional development to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices

Where you’ll work

Fire Headquarters
Brampton Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 2NA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

FIRST INTUITION CAMBRIDGE LIMITED

Your training course

Assistant accountant (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries.
Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts.
Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
Investigate, resolve or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries.
Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts.
Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
Investigate, resolve or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.

Your training plan

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

Learners on this apprenticeship will ensure that the Finance Department performs in the most effective way. It includes the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and provides the opportunity for you to support the organisation with essential skills and behaviours to drive results.

You will learn how to prepare financial statements, 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 and complete the relevant units, and 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 face-to-face, classroom-based lessons. An apprenticeship must 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.

Other in-house training and continuous professional development will be provided.

More training information

The applicant will train under First Intuition Cambridge for their level 3 Assistant Accountant qualification. They will be expected to attend regular in-centre tuition courses throughout a 12-14 month period, which will help develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours in accountancy-related practices. First Intuition Cambridge Ltd has Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich, Peterborough and Milton Keynes centres.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 5/B)
Maths (grade 5/B)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

A comprehensive training program that combines on-the-job experience with theoretical knowledge. Ongoing support and mentorship from experienced professionals. The opportunity to work with a dynamic team and contribute to the success of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. Mainly office-based to aid development, but flexible working is available. All training, exam fees and membership will be paid by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. A Driving Licence is not essential, however you must be able to use public transport or other means to get to work and face to face training courses.

About this company

Local Government Authority - Fire and Rescue Service.

http://www.cambsfire.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Further progression may be available depending on the Organisation’s needs

Ask a question

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