Apprentice Finance and Administration Assistant

SOUTHBAY CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD

Gateshead (NE11 0HF)

Closes in 21 days (Friday 26 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 5 September 2025

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Summary

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Apprentice Finance Administrative Assistant at a growing company, based in the Team Valley Gateshead. Southbay Civil Engineering are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join their friendly and supportive team. Working with both the Finance and Purchasing Teams.

• Wage:

  £16,000 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  £16,000 Aged 16 - 17 £16,500 Aged 18+

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm Fri 9am-4:30pm 30 mins unpaid lunch break.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 29 September 2025

• 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

Southbay Civil Engineering are seeking a highly organised and motivated Apprentice Finance Administrative Assistant to provide essential support to the Purchase Ledger Team and assist with the smooth operation of the finance function at their Team Valley office. The role will involve handling processes in financial and administrative functions and providing general administrative assistance to the team. Working within a small, busy team, the apprentice will be expected to assist with other general office duties as and when required.

For the right candidate, who is enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills, this is a fantastic opportunity to progress and grow within the company. 

Main duties to include:

• Assist the Purchase Ledger Department with the input of invoices.
• Assist with the matching of purchase orders, delivery notes.
• Monthly Supplier Statement reconciliation.
• Assist with the generation of remittance advice via email to suppliers for payments made.
• Assist the Buying Dept with raising purchase orders for suppliers as and when required.
• Assist with keeping spreadsheets up to date for the Buying and Finance Department,
• First call for answering the telephone/door and directing calls/greeting visitors
• Filing invoices/paperwork.
• Assist with arranging meetings for directors.
• Assist with the smooth management of deliveries to the head office for site supplies.
• Monitoring accounts inbox
• Probationary period applies

Where you'll work

Moongate House
Fifth Avenue, Team Valley Trading Estate
Gateshead
NE11 0HF

Training

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

Training provider

ACCESS TRAINING LIMITED

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

Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, including monthly day release at Access Training, Team Valley.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 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
• Attention to detail
• Team working
• Initiative
• Ability to meet targets

Other requirements

The office is based in the Team Valley. Please ensure that you can travel to this location for a 9am start before applying. The company has a shutdown period over Christmas and holiday allowance must be used for this. This is a fixed-term contract, with a view to becoming permanent for the right candidate.

About this employer

Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd specialise in civil engineering construction and design and build contracts in a marine environment. This includes river & coastal works, jetty, quayside and sea wall repairs, and flood defences. The company believe that it is the people within the companies that are the most important asset, having the commitment and drive necessary to deliver a successful, quality contract on time, safely and to budget.

After this apprenticeship

The successful applicant would have good long-term prospects with the opportunity to progress into further positions after the apprenticeship.

The duties and responsibilities are expected to develop over time as the role progresses.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ACCESS TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000340722.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Friday 26 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

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