Receptionist / Administrator Apprentice

SMH Mitchells

DERBYSHIRE (S40 1LA)

Closes in 22 days (Friday 16 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 23 September 2026

Print

Contents

Summary

If you're looking to be part of a purpose-driven team we’d love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to join an expanding practice who are looking to recruit a new apprentice to work full time in our busy accountancy practice. The role will be to provide accounts, reception, and general administration support.

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.45am - 5.00pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 19 October 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

General Administration

  • Secretarial Duties
  • Ensure Clients are being billed and paid
  • Anti-money laundering checks
  • Chase timesheets

Accounts Administration

  • Prepare client documentation and correspondence
  • Debtor management
  • Deal with cheques received and supplier invoices
  • Prepare invoices
  • Receive records and signed accounts/tax returns etc. from clients and booking in

Reception 

  • Greet clients and assisting with queries
  • Answer telephone enquiries
  • Manage email inboxes and electronic calendar
  • Manage meeting room bookings, signage and refreshments
  • Incoming and outgoing post
  • Manage collection of Wills by clients

Health & Safety (all training will be provided)

  • Weekly H&S walkaround to ensure safe working environment
  • Weekly fire testing, check extinguishers and exits
  • Manage fire drills
  • Be willing to be a H&S Liaison Officer, First Aider, and Fire Marshal

Where you'll work

95 SALTERGATE
CHESTERFIELD
DERBYSHIRE
S40 1LA

Training

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

Training provider

CHESTERFIELD 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

As part of your apprenticeship, and dependent on your prior attainment and age, you may be required to complete English and
maths Functional Skills which is an integral part of your apprenticeship.

Upon successful completion you will be awarded additional
certificates of recognition for these qualifications.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C or above)
  • Maths (grade 4/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
  • 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

The SMH Group offers a comprehensive suite of financial services to our clients including Accountancy, Financial Services, Wills & Probate, Commercial Finance, Residential Mortgages and Corporate Finance. We have over 220 employees across our 11 offices throughout the Yorkshire/Derbyshire region.

At SMH Group we truly believe our people are our greatest strength which is why we want to give them the confidence to grow and shape their future. As we continue to grow as a business we strive to be guided by our core behaviours - Client Centric, acting as One Firm, and Caring by doing the right thing for our people, clients and communities. As clients and our people at the fore front of everything we do, we leave no stone unturned to deliver consistent and impactful results. We foster a culture of respect, support, and inclusion within our teams.

https://smh.group/mitchells/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Study support for professional qualifications
  • 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays (with the ability to purchase up to 5 more)
  • Pension scheme
  • Health Cash Plan (Level 1)
  • Life Assurance 4x salary
  • Eye tests
  • Social events
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Staff discounts on Wills, LPAs and residential mortgages

After this apprenticeship

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

Full time position with company.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE

Emma Braybrooke

braybrookee@chesterfield.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000054463.

Apply now

Closes in 22 days (Friday 16 October 2026 at 11:59pm)