Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprentice

SJW Accountancy & Bookkeeping

Leyburn (DL8 5AB)

Closes in 13 days (Monday 12 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 29 September 2026


Summary

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to start a career in accountancy, gaining hands-on experience working with real businesses while studying towards your qualification. You’ll be supported by an experienced team with the opportunity to progress.

Wage

£15,392 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
Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)
Hours
Working Monday to Friday between 9.00am-5.00pm with day release to college. This apprenticeship is 12 months plus 3 months for Apprenticeship Assessment and gateway.

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 5 January 2027

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

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

The successful candidate will:

  • Bookkeeping for a range of clients
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Assisting with VAT returns
  • Using Xero
  • Maintaining financial records
  • Gradually getting involved with accounts preparation as their knowledge develops
  • Communicating with clients and members of the team
  • Learning how an accountancy practice supports businesses with their day-to-day finances

Where you'll work

Thornborough Hall
Leyburn
DL8 5AB

Training

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

Training provider

DARLINGTON COLLEGE

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

  • AAT Foundation certificate in accounting
    (Level 2)
  • https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0608
    v1-4
  • Location – Leyburn, North Yorkshire
  • Working 5 days per week inclusive of 1 day release for study at Darlington College

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4/C)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Reliable
  • Motivated
  • Thorough

Other requirements

  • The successful candidate must be able to travel to and from work independently. A full driving license and your own transport would be advantageous 
  • Please note that in line with UK apprenticeship regulations, you must have a valid and eligible residency status and the right to work in England. This should cover the entire expected term of learning and residency should be held for a minimum of 3 years, exceptions may apply, please see Apprenticeship funding rules for full guidance 

About this employer

SJW Accountancy & Bookkeeping is a friendly, growing accountancy practice based in Leyburn, North Yorkshire. We work with businesses across a wide range of sectors, providing accountancy, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and business support. We’re a close-knit team who believe in using technology such as Xero to make our clients’ lives easier, while still providing a personal service. For someone starting their accountancy career, it’s a great environment to gain broad, practical experience and learn how businesses really work.

http://www.sjwaccountancy.co.uk (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).

For the right person, we hope this apprenticeship will be the start of a long-term career with SJW Accountancy & Bookkeeping, with opportunities to continue developing their accountancy knowledge and experience following successful completion. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DARLINGTON COLLEGE

Nagina Patrai

npatrai@darlington.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000055928.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Monday 12 October 2026 at 11:59pm)