Transactional Finance Apprentice

Cheshire West and Chester Council

Recruiting nationally

Closes in 18 days (Sunday 19 April 2026)

Posted on 1 April 2026

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Summary

Be part of an outstanding council apprenticeship programme with a nationally recognised, Top 100 Apprentice Employer and Regionally awarded Apprentice Employer of the Year. Join us on a permanent contract, gain real experience and a recognised qualification, and progress your career within the council. 

• Wage:

  £19,836.80 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Permanent contract of employment from day one. Pay increase subject to pay ward.

• Training course: Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9am up to 3pm This role is classed as ‘agile’ which means that the post holder’s primary base will be to work from home, as well as at Council offices and across the Borough, as required.

  29 hours 36 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 4 May 2026

• Duration:

  1 year

• 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

The Transactional Finance Apprentice is a key role within the
Councils Transactional Services in our Finance Directorate.
This apprentice role offers the opportunity to develop
valuable and varied experience within a busy Payments &
Income team.

This apprenticeship with have a line manager, workplace
mentor, inclusive employment manager and a dedicated
apprentice programme tutor.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the post
holder will progress to the substantive post of Payments &
Income Assistant.

Notwithstanding the detail in this Job Role Profile, the job
holder will undertake such work as may be determined by
the Manager from time to time, up to or at a level consistent
with the Principal Responsibilities of the job.

Many services and customers span across the Borough and
therefore you may be required to work at any location in
Cheshire West and Chester.

This role is classed as ‘agile’ which means that the post
holder’s primary base will be to work from home, as well as
at Council offices and across the Borough, as required.

Apprenticeship length for this Level 2 Accounts or Finance
Assistant Apprenticeship alongside AAT Level 2 Certificate in
Accounting 12 months and 3-month duration to sit the End
Point Assessment

With appropriate support and supervision, the Apprentice will…

• Process information activities to ensure accuracy in maintaining financial operating, procedures systems, undertaking checking, coding and reconciliations.
• Operate and maintain schedules, records and systems for work areas, to ensure admin processes are conducted effectively and efficiently.
• Respond to routine and complex enquiries, both verbal and in writing from a wide range of contacts, using judgement in formatting responses so advice is consistent in accordance with agreed policies and within defined procedures.
• Assist with the preparation of statistical and financial information from systems, collate and present information for use by senior staff for operational/ budget management and policy development purposes.
• Assist with monitoring the operation of processes and advising on improvements in the post holders specific work area, to contribute to the achievement of the overall service objectives.
• Ensure communication channels (upwards/downwards/lateral) are fully utilised to ensure that uncertainty is removed, and services are delivered
effectively

Where you'll work

This role is classed as ‘agile’ which means that the post holder’s primary base will be to work from home, as well as at Council offices and across the Borough, as required but must have the ability be able to attend our offices at request of the service and your apprentice line manager to the Portal Building at Ellesmere port.

Discussed at interview.

Training

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

Training provider

CAROLINE PAULING

Training course

Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Record transactional data.
• Use the organisation’s standard tools and processes to examine data to identify transactional issues such as, reconciliations and inconsistencies between invoices.
• Recognise and rectify routine errors, escalating as necessary.
• Plan and review accounting and finance tasks.
• Communicate with stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely results, avoiding jargon, using language tailored to the audience and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
• Use finance and accounting software packages to accurately input and manage data to contribute to routine accounting tasks.
• Handle data and digital technology in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
• Record transactional data.
• Use the organisation’s standard tools and processes to examine data to identify transactional issues such as, reconciliations and inconsistencies between invoices.
• Recognise and rectify routine errors, escalating as necessary.
• Plan and review accounting and finance tasks.
• Communicate with stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely results, avoiding jargon, using language tailored to the audience and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
• Use finance and accounting software packages to accurately input and manage data to contribute to routine accounting tasks.
• Handle data and digital technology in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.

Training schedule

Training will be delivered through a blend of workplace learning and formal off‑the‑job training.

Most training will take place at the apprentice’s normal place of work, with additional learning delivered by the training provider through college attendance, online learning, workshops, or Microsoft Teams.

Training will take place on a regular basis throughout the apprenticeship, with protected time during working hours to attend training sessions, complete learning activities, and prepare for assessments.

The exact schedule will be agreed between the apprentice, line manager, and training provider as part of the individual training plan.

More training information

This apprenticeship is predominantly workplace‑based. Training is delivered on-site and through Microsoft Teams. There is no fixed weekly attendance at college, though optional workshops may be offered.

How the training is delivered:

The apprentice will complete their learning through a blended model, which includes:

On-site sessions at the council workplace (skills development, coaching, observations, and support from the assessor/trainer)
Live online sessions via Microsoft Teams (knowledge modules, tutorials, group learning, and remote support)

What the training provider manages will be responsible for:

• Online/Teams teaching
• On-site visits and assessments
• Regular progress reviews with the apprentice and line manager
• Preparing the apprentice for their End Point Assessment (EPA) 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 9-4 C-A*)
• Maths (grade 9-4 C-A*)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• 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
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

About this employer

Local government is a diverse and dynamic environment, built on a foundation of many different occupations working together. From frontline services to strategic planning, every role contributes to shaping communities and improving lives. It’s a place where collaboration, innovation, and public service come together to make a real difference.

At Cheshire West and Chester Council, we’re proud of our commitment to excellence and inclusion. Our achievements speak for themselves:

• Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer
• Apprentice Employer of the Year Award
• Gold Award – Armed Forces Covenant
• Disability Confident Leader
• Recognised as a Good Investor in People

We’re dedicated to building a stronger future where everyone plays their part in creating thriving, caring, and sustainable communities. Here, you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact. We take pride in doing things differently—delivering vital services that touch every aspect of people’s lives. Our work spans a wide range of exciting change programmes designed to tackle challenges across the borough and drive positive outcomes for all.

 

https://www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Permanent contract of employment from day one. We work closely and positively with our recognised trade unions UNISON, GMB and UNITE to make sure that the views of our colleagues are heard.

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

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the post
holder will progress to the substantive post of Payments &
Income Assistant.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CAROLINE PAULING

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000024712.

Apply now

Closes in 18 days (Sunday 19 April 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.