Finance Apprentice
Network Rail Limited
Manchester (M1 2NY)
Closes in 11 days (Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 3 September 2026
Contents
Summary
Network Rail are now recruiting Finance Apprentices to join their Accounting Services team to complete an AAT apprenticeship programme, which includes the level 3 programme. This role is an entry level scheme designed as an alternative route to university. It has various duties such as financial reporting, and other finance assistance tasks.
- Wage
-
£19,838 a year
- Training course
- Assistant accountant (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. Flexibility option to be confirmed (flexible). Hybrid working option available.
35 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 5 October 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
2
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
As a finance apprentice and a key member of the finance team, the role will involve liaising with people from all departments and at all levels. As a finance professional, you’ll inform finance multi-million-pound decisions and directly influence the development, growth and operation of their railway.
Overview of duties:
- Assist with periodic financial reports
- Post journals and other key financial inputs
- Assist the business in updating project information on the Network Rail key systems
- Provide support with ad hoc reporting as requested by the business
- Undertake ad hoc finance assistance based on queries received
- Support with achieving the team key metrics
Where you'll work
4 Travis Street
Manchester
M1 2NY
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY LIMITED
Training course
Assistant accountant (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Assist with the investigation of, 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 a range of approaches and media, with an understanding of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
- Assist with the investigation of, 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 a range of approaches and media, with an understanding of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
Training schedule
- Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
- Alongside your role, you will study towards the level 3 AAT qualification
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
Other requirements
This company has a fantastic track record for developing and investing in a number of apprentices in the past. All apprentices so far have secured a permanent position within the team and many have quickly progressed to Assistant Accountant, with some progressing further into a Finance Business Partner role.
You will be well trained and supported throughout your apprenticeship and even have access to some fantastic perks, such as:
- Subsidised rail travel – 75% on rail season tickets and leisure travel
- Interest-free season ticket loans for travel
- A choice of three contributory pension schemes - Charitable giving schemes, including company contributions
- Employee assistance programme
A range of other benefits, including volunteer leave, cycle to work scheme, discounted online shopping site. Hybrid working option available.
About this employer
One of the UK’s most recognised engineering and railway companies in the heart of Manchester, Network Rail. They specialise in the maintenance and development of Britain's rail tracks, signalling, bridges, tunnels, level crossings and many key stations. With new world-class stations being built, they are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. Great opportunities for development and learning in a supportive environment, friendly and sociable team, strong potential for progression. All apprentices so far have secured a permanent position within the team and many of whom have quickly progressed to Assistant Accountant with some progressing further into a Finance Business Partner role.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- With progression towards the Level 4 AAT qualifications
- You will receive support from industry-experienced tutors and coaches
- Great opportunities for development and learning in a supportive environment, friendly and sociable team, strong potential for progression
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY LIMITED
Maria Grimsley
recruitment@theapprenticeacademy.co.uk
0161 200 1673
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000051589.
Apply now
Closes in 11 days (Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 11:59pm)