Finance Apprentice

SHOAL GROUP LIMITED

Luton (LU2 8DL)

Closes in 14 days (Friday 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 25 September 2026


Summary

This is a diverse role with a wide range of duties so you will become familiar with all aspects of our Finance function. You will gain hands-on experience in sales & purchase ledger activities, including invoice processing, supplier payments, bank reconciliations, & managing customer and supplier queries. 

Training course
Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 2 November 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

Sales Ledger Credit Control

  • Complete daily cash postings to I.Q system for Barclays receipts and web/card lodgements
  • Understand IQ order /credit system to release orders as per procedures 
  • Manage the accounts inbox and communication from internal and external customers
  • Review and complete customer new application forms
  • Chase outstanding customer debts by phone and mail communication
  • Resolve customer queries with Customer Service and Order Processing Teams

Purchase Ledger /General

  • Matching, checking, processing of purchase invoices and credit notes
  • Controlling any invoices in query
  • aking supplier payments via BACS and processing supplier payments
  • Scanning invoices onto ERP system
  • Daily bank reconciliations
  • Assisting in year end and internal audits providing transactional data
  • Assisting FC /FD on queries and analysis

Where you'll work

Butterfield
Great Marlings
Luton
LU2 8DL

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

Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Record transactional data.
  • Use the organisation’s standard tools and processes to examine data to identify transactional issues, such as reconciliations and inconsistencies between invoices.
  • Recognise and rectify routine errors, escalating as necessary.
  • Plan and review accounting and finance tasks.
  • Communicate with stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely results, avoiding jargon, using language tailored to the audience, and different media methods, with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
  • Use finance and accounting software packages to accurately input and manage data to contribute to routine accounting tasks.
  • Handle data and digital technology in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
  • Record transactional data.
  • Use the organisation’s standard tools and processes to examine data to identify transactional issues, such as reconciliations and inconsistencies between invoices.
  • Recognise and rectify routine errors, escalating as necessary.
  • Plan and review accounting and finance tasks.
  • Communicate with stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely results, avoiding jargon, using language tailored to the audience, and different media methods, with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
  • Use finance and accounting software packages to accurately input and manage data to contribute to routine accounting tasks.
  • Handle data and digital technology in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.

Training schedule

Training will take place in our Shoal workplace.

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
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience

About this employer

At Shoal Group, we’re more than just a business — we’re a team built on trust, commitment, and collaboration. Everything we do is driven by a passion for lasting relationships — with our customers, our partners, and most importantly, with each other.  Our customers count on us for more than high-quality products — they rely on our expertise, reliability, and seamless service to keep the world powered and connected.

 

Shoal Group was founded in late 2019 through the coming together of Cablecraft and FS Cables, with a shared vision of creating a platform for long-term, sustainable growth. We expanded further in 2021 with the acquisition of SWA, and today, we’re proud to be part of Diploma PLC — a FTSE 100-listed company with a global presence in Life Sciences, Seals, and Controls industries. Our headquarters are in Luton, Bedfordshire, with a manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Devon.  Across the organisation we have a vision of becoming a leading distributor of cables and cable accessories in the electrical industry; delivering value across multiple channels, including wholesale, contractors, and OEMs. We aim to serve a diverse industry across Europe and grow the business through both organic and inorganic growth strategies. We combine the agility, energy, and flexibility of an SME with the financial strength and resources of being part of Diploma PLC. This allows us to make significant investments and pursue strategic acquisitions to further enhance our offerings and expand our reach.

https://www.shoal-group.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Discretionary bonus

22 days holiday (increasing with service)

Birthday leave

Digital health and wellbeing benefits

Medicash Cash Back Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance x3 basic salary

Salary sacrifice pension

Paid volunteering days

After this apprenticeship

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

Candidates can progress to have a career in finance.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000055641.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Friday 9 October 2026 at 11:59pm)