Assistant Finance Officer Apprentice
DEVON COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
DEVON (TQ12 1EJ)
Closes in 13 days (Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 8 September 2026
Contents
Summary
Kick-start your career with Devon County FA!
As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience across finance, customer service, data and business administration while earning a Level 3 Business Administrator qualification. Learn, grow your skills and build valuable workplace experience.
- Wage
-
£18,825 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
5 days a week - may work evenings and weekends.
36 hours 15 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Thursday 1 October 2026
- 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
Finance
- Process purchase invoices, supplier payments and expense claims.
- Raise sales invoices and monitor outstanding debtor balances.
- Record and reconcile financial transactions.
- Support monthly bank reconciliations.
- Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems.
Business Administration
- Provide administrative support across the business as required.
- Maintain accurate databases and management information systems.
- Respond to enquiries from clubs, leagues, referees, partners and stakeholders.
- Manage incoming correspondence and direct enquiries appropriately.
- Support meeting administration, including agendas, minutes and action tracking.
Customer Service & Operations
- Deliver excellent customer service to all stakeholders.
- Support reception and front-of-house activities when required.
Governance & Compliance
- Support adherence to financial regulations and internal controls.
- Maintain confidentiality and GDPR compliance.
- Assist with safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion requirements.
- Support compliance reporting and governance activities.
Essential
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to manage competing priorities.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Numerate with an interest in finance and business administration.
- Positive and professional approach to customer service.
Where you'll work
COUNTY HEADQUARTERS
COACH ROAD
NEWTON ABBOT
DEVON
TQ12 1EJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
The Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship will be delivered by South Devon College and will provide the apprentice with a comprehensive programme of learning designed to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence within a professional business environment.
The apprenticeship will be delivered through a combination of workplace-based learning and structured training provided by the college. The apprentice will attend South Devon College on a day-release basis, one day per week, with the remaining working days spent within the employer’s organisation.
This approach will enable the apprentice to apply the knowledge and skills gained through their college studies directly within the workplace, supporting their ongoing development and contributing to the wider needs of the business.
Throughout the apprenticeship, the apprentice will develop a broad range of business administration skills, including effective communication, organisation and time management, customer service, record keeping, use of digital and office systems, and supporting day-to-day business operations.
They will also develop an understanding of professional standards, confidentiality, teamwork and the importance of delivering a high-quality service to colleagues, customers and other stakeholders.
The programme will provide the apprentice with the opportunity to gain a recognised Level 3 qualification in Business Administration, whilst gaining valuable practical experience and contributing positively to the employer.
Regular interaction between the college and employer will help ensure that the apprentice’s learning remains relevant to their role and that they are fully supported throughout the apprenticeship.
More training information
Staff training through the FA (Football Association).
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 or above (Grade C or above))
- Maths (grade 4 or above (Grade C or above))
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 or above (Grade C or above))
- Maths (grade 4 or above (Grade C or above))
- 3 Other Subjects (grade 4 or above (Grade C or above))
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
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
The vacancy will offer the opportunity for you to gain experience and confidence in various areas of the business while the apprenticeship will enable you to learn about finance, IT, record and document production, decision making, communication, project management, policies, and health and safety.
In return the candidate would ideally have:
- Previous experience in a finance or administrative role.
- Knowledge of accounting systems.
- Understanding of grassroots sport or football structures.
- Experience of working with databases and reporting tools.
About this employer
Devon County FA is the official not-for-profit governing body for grassroots football in the county of Devon. Employing over 20 staff, you will be joining a team which were awarded the Investors In People Silver Award, showing our commitments to our people and their development.
Devon County FA staff benefit from the following:
- Access to England tickets
- Nike kit and equipment
- Access to FA Cup Semi-Final and Final tickets
- 5 days' extra holiday after 5 years' service
- TOIL policy and flexible working available
- 10 and 15-year loyalty awards
- Employee of the Quarter prize
- Company pension scheme
- Various discounts through partner organisations
- Annual Christmas celebration
- Staff training through The FA
- Enhanced sick pay
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
It is expected that you will stay with the company following successful completion of your apprenticeship to undertake further qualifications and increase your responsibility in the office.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000051319.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 11:59pm)