Finance Apprentice - Accounting Technician

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Finance team as a Finance Apprentice Accounting Technician. This role offers the chance to work towards a highly respected professional accounting qualification while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a supportive and collaborative environment.

As part of the programme, you'll receive structured training, practical on-the-job learning,and dedicated support to help you develop your technical skills, build your confidence, and advance your professional career.

Whether you're starting out in finance or looking to develop your existing experience, this is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn and build a strong foundation for a successful career in accountancy.

The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.

We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.

For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please see the information pack attached. You can also view our careers page at Civil Service Careers

Job description

We're looking for someone who is motivated to learn, organised, analytical and detail-focused, with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in developing a successful career in finance and accountancy.

You will work alongside experienced finance professionals, gradually taking on more responsibility as your training progresses.

A typical day could involve producing financial reports, analysing data, supporting budgeting and forecasting activities, carrying out reconciliations, maintaining financial records, or working with colleagues across the organisation to understand costs and financial performance.

You will also be involved in year-end processesincluding audit activity, and help us to improve our financial systems and ways of working.

Key Responsibilities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will:

• Attend college and successfully complete the study requirements for the AAT Level 3 qualification, with the opportunity to progress to Level 4.

• Develop your finance and accounting knowledge through a combination of formal learning and practical experience.

• Produce accurate and timely financial information, reports and schedules.

• Perform Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable activities.

• Carry out reconciliations and data checks to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information.

• Use financial systems to analyse data and provide reports for colleagues across the organisation.

• Maintain financial controls and ensure compliance with financial procedures and delegations.

• Assist with the fixed asset register, audit requests and year-end financial processes.

• Support budget monitoring, forecasting and financial analysis

• Provide financial information and advice to colleagues across the business.

• Contribute to projects that improve financial systems, processes and reporting.

What You'll Be Accountable For

As a Trainee Accounting Technician, you will be accountable for:

• Completing your apprenticeship studies and professional development requirements.

• Producing accurate, reliable and timely financial information.

• Maintaining high standards of financial control and data accuracy.

• Handling sensitive financial information appropriately and in line with organisational policies.

• Building effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Delivering a high-quality service to internal customers.

• Working collaboratively to achieve team and organisational objectives.

• Demonstrating professionalism, integrity and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Actively developing your skills, seeking feedback, and embodying the Planning Inspectorate's core values in everything you do.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

You do not need any previous experience of working in a finance role, however, for us to consider your application you must meet the requirements set out in the Essential Criteria but must also:

• Be aged 16 or over (there is no upper age limit)
• Been ordinarily resident in the UK or the British Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of the apprenticeship.
• Work at least 50% of your working hours in England if you live in Wales or Scotland.
• Not undertaking another apprenticeship or government-funded qualification at the same time.
• Does not have a qualification in an existing Level 3 or above Qualification for example: A level / BTEC level 3 / NVQ Level 3 / other level 3 qualification / Highers with the following in the title as either a single or dual qualification: Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, Tax

If you are a graduate, we will not be able to consider your application. The Civil Service Graduate Fast Stream Programme or non-apprenticeship jobs on Civil Service Jobs may be more appropriate for you.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. Internal rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

This role is being advertised at Apprenticeship Administrative Officer Grade which has a salary of £23,751.

Working hours:

Standard working week is 37 hours, flexible working hours policy available. We can offer flexibility within the role; however, college attendance days are fixed by the training provider and cannot be altered. The apprenticeship consists of 80% on-the-job training and 20% AAT-related learning, which may include college attendance, revision, and examinations.

Office Attendance

This role is contractually based at our office in Bristol, 10-minute walk from Temple Meads train station. We recognise and value the mutual benefits of hybrid working and have a flexible approach to in person attendance, which can vary dependent on the requirements of individual business units - the details of which can be discussed with candidates if invited to attend an interview. Excitingly, we're relocating to a brand new office in December, while maintaining excellent transport links with Bristol Temple Meads station still just a 10 minute walk away.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English Language.
• Commitment to completing the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work with and interpret data.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to identify issues and escalate to managers where appropriate.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn.

For guidance on how to structure your application please visit: