Finance Administration Apprentice

SMI INT GROUP LIMITED

PETERSFIELD (GU32 3QB)

Closes in 19 days (Friday 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 18 September 2026


Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to develop a career in finance and accounting within a supportive and fast-paced environment.  You will provide support to the Finance function within the company with focus on Accounts payable and some general accounting tasks.

Wage

£22,800 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Discretionary bonus – Accessible upon probation completion.

Training course
Assistant accountant (level 3)
Hours
8am – 5pm Monday to Thursday, 4pm finish on Fridays. 1 Hour Lunch. Potential Flexibility on start and finish timings after probation.

40 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 1 November 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 FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR will provide essential support to the finance function, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions. The role will have a particular focus on Accounts Payable activities, while also assisting with general accounting, month-end processes, reconciliations, and administrative finance duties.

  • Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Match invoices to purchase orders and delivery notes where applicable.
  • Verify invoice coding and obtain appropriate authorisations.
  • Maintain supplier records and ensure account details are up to date.
  • Prepare supplier payment runs in accordance with company procedures.
  • Support the management of employee expense claims and company credit card reconciliations.
  • Perform bank reconciliations and investigate reconciling items.
  • Long term responsibilities include but not limited to:-   
  • Assisting with month-end close activities and preparation of reports.
  • Maintaining accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
  • Processing journals under supervision.
  • Supporting the preparation of VAT returns and audit information.
  • Help ensure compliance with company financial controls and procedures.
  • Support year-end audit requests and documentation gathering.
  • Assisting with balance sheet reconciliations.

Where you'll work

VISION HOUSE
BEDFORD ROAD
PETERSFIELD
GU32 3QB

Training

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

Training provider

HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE

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

Training will take place one day each week, currently on a Friday at Havant College, New Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QL.  You will also have regular visits from our AAT work based trainer to your workplace. 
 

More training information

Happy to Support Study leave near examination time or other training that may be valuable to your development.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 4)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Accounts (grade C)

AAT in:

Level 2 (grade Pass)

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
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Use own initiative
  • Desire to progress

Other requirements

Please consider - Relocation to new site in Q3 2027 – Dunsbury Park, Havant.  We are due to relocate within the next year.

We recognise this as an entry-level role, and while previous experience is advantageous, it is not essential. We are looking for an engaged and motivated individual who is serious about building a career in finance. In return, we are committed to supporting your development and helping you achieve your long-term career aspirations.

About this employer

Founded in 1981 as a family business, SMI has grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of workwear and PPE.

The third generation took over in 2011, and we have been expanding ever since, always keeping our family values at the heart of what we do.

https://www.smigroupuk.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

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

Based on performance, a permanent position. Promotions and long-term charted accountancy support, with body of their choice.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE

Liz Langley

liz.langley@hsdc.ac.uk

07702885185

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000054180.

Apply now

Closes in 19 days (Friday 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm)