Apprentice Accounts Assistant

Percy Doughty

FARNWORTH (BL4 9TN)

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 7 October 2026

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Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our company for an apprentice account assistant. This is a great way to start your career in the finance industry. Working with the busy accounts team you will work with varied finance duties.

Wage

£20,280 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Mon – Thurs 8.30am to 5pm, Fri 8.30am to 4pm 39 hours per week.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 November 2026

Duration

1 year 6 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

Duties and responsibilities, but not limited to:

  • Processing purchase invoices onto the system.
  • Processing staff expenses onto the system.
  • Ensuring the company’s authorisation procedures are implemented at all times.
  • Managing the accounts and invoice filing.
  • Ensure all invoices are correctly coded both nominal and VAT, authorised and paid within creditors time restrictions.
  • Chase overdue invoices by telephone, email & letter within agreed timescales
  • Maintain accurate records of all chasing activity
  • Regularly making contact with customers to ensure all relevant debts are managed as necessary
  • Ensure that all transactions are compliant with the company's policies.
  • Provide accurate advice on billing queries
  • Respond promptly and completely to both client and internal enquiries
  • Providing ad-hoc reporting as and when requested by management
  •  Undertake account reconciliations as required
  • Ensure monthly processing deadlines are met as required
  • Other duties as delegated from time to time by the Finance Director or any other person designated in their absence directors where necessary.
  • Monitoring daily communications and answering any queries from customers and suppliers.
  • Ensuring payments, amounts and records are correct.
  • Working with spreadsheets, sales and purchase ledgers.
  • Recording and filing cash and credit card transactions.
  •  Controlling credit and chasing debt.
  •  Invoice and credit note processing and filing.
  •  Liaising with third party providers, clients and suppliers.
  • General office duties (post, filing etc…)

Where you'll work

IMPERIAL POINT
EXPRESS TRADING ESTATE
STONE HILL ROAD
FARNWORTH
BL4 9TN

Training

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

Training provider

SALFORD CITY 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

You will be working towards a level 3 Business Administration qualification which is all completed in the work place.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade A* - C / 9 - 4)

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
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience

About this employer

Percy Doughty established in 1952 has been supplying high quality fires, stoves, fireplaces, solid fuel spares, flue systems and associated products to the heating industry for over six decades as a true one stop shop. We are renowned for our high quality, superior craftsmanship and innovative products, priding ourselves on maintaining traditional values with a family run business.

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

Company benefits

  • Medi cash health care scheme
  • Pension scheme 
  • Day off for your birthday
  • 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Early finish on a friday
  • Christmas closure 

After this apprenticeship

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

Potential full-time role and progression for the right candidate.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SALFORD CITY COLLEGE

Apprenticeship Team

apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk

01616315555

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000057788.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 11:59pm)