Finance Assistant - AAT Level 3 Apprentice

DISCOVERY PARK MANAGEMENT LIMITED

SANDWICH (CT13 9FF)

Closes in 28 days (Friday 31 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 2 July 2026

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Summary

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Finance Apprentice to join our finance team at Discovery Park. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a busy finance environment while building a strong foundation for a career in finance. 

Wage

£16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Assistant accountant (level 3)
Hours
40 hours per week– 8am to 5pm (Inclusive of 1-hour unpaid break each day)

40 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 16 September 2026

Duration

1 year 3 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’ll play an integral part in the team, supporting key processes such as timesheet processing, reporting and assisting with purchase ledger activities. Working closely with colleagues across the business, you’ll ensure accurate record-keeping and contribute to the smooth running of the finance function.

We are a close-knit team and pride ourselves on being responsive, flexible and proactive. Many of the team are also studying towards finance exams, so you'll benefit from a nurturing, supportive environment with plenty of mentoring and guidance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Accurately processing weekly timesheets and maintaining the timesheet database
  • Reporting departmental timesheet hours to Heads of Department monthly, ready for submission to HR for payment
  • Monthly submission of timesheet information to HR per the published schedule
  • Create and maintain a dashboard showing KPI’s in relation to timesheets
  • Provide training and ongoing assistance to new employees on correct completion of timesheets
  • Provide cover and assist with purchase ledger tasks as required
  • Quarterly investigation and reconciliation of outstanding purchase orders
  • Support procurement team during periods of absence
  • When required, assisting other members of the team with ad-hoc tasks
  • Any tasks as required to assist the team during the year end accounts process and year end external audit
  • Additional duties as required by the Business and/or directed by Management
  • Act as holiday and sickness cover for other members of the team

Where you'll work

INNOVATION HOUSE
INNOVATION WAY
DISCOVERY PARK
SANDWICH
CT13 9FF

Training

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

Training provider

FIRST INTUITION SOUTH LIMITED

Training course

Assistant accountant (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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.

Training schedule

There will be structured classroom learning with First Intuition at their Canterbury site, dedicated tutor support and a recognised AAT Level 3 qualification that is designed to build the technical knowledge needed for a career in finance.

Requirements

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Discovery Park is a leading science and innovation park in the Southeast of England, home to more than 160 forward-thinking companies ranging from ambitious start-ups to global multinationals. Our vibrant community spans the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.

Through our dedicated operational and business support teams, Discovery Park Management Ltd (DPML) delivers comprehensive facilities management across the site. This includes the maintenance of buildings, landscaped grounds, and utilities infrastructure, as well as the provision of essential services such as front-of-house reception, cleaning, logistics, security, and event management.

We are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all occupiers and visitors, delivering quality services across the park, whilst continuously seeking opportunities to improve and enhance the way we operate.

Our values guide everything we do:

  • Inspirational leadership – leading by example and empowering others
  • People-focused – treating everyone with respect, care, and professionalism
  • Operational excellence – delivering consistently high standards in all we do
  • Community spirit – working collaboratively and supporting one another as one team

https://discovery-park.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 25 days annual leave plus Public Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time employees)
  • Free on-site parking
  • Employee Discount & Recognition Platform
  • 10% Discount at on-site catering outlets

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • Successful completion of the Level 3 apprenticeship may provide an opportunity to progress to Level 4 Accounting Apprenticeship
  • The apprentice will gain exposure to a broad range of finance activities, enabling them to develop valuable skills, knowledge and experience within the Finance Department
  • Previous employees who have undertaken this role have successfully progressed into more advanced positions within the team and continued their professional development, demonstrating the potential career pathways available

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DISCOVERY PARK MANAGEMENT LIMITED

Kirsty Weller

kirsty.weller@discovery-park.co.uk

07827402350

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000040359.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Friday 31 July 2026 at 11:59pm)