2026 Finance Apprentice

Thales UK; Belfast; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is offering a Finance Apprenticeship in Northern Ireland. This program provides a pathway to AAT qualifications, starting with a Level 2 Diploma in Accounting. Responsibilities include providing accurate overhead information and assisting in budgeting cycles. Candidates need 5 GCSEs including English and Maths and will have the opportunity for further progression in accounting qualifications. Apply before February 12, 2026.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSE's 9-4 A-C including English and Maths.
• Opportunity for progression through to Level 4 Professional Accountant.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate overhead and cost information to management.
• Assist in the budgeting cycle and manage balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support Project Managers in timely cost transfers.

Skills

GCSE's including English and Maths

Accounting knowledge

Education

Level 2 Accountant Assistant

Level 3 Assistant Accountant

Level 4 Professional Accountant

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join a Finance Apprenticeship within our UK business. We have opportunities within Corporate and our Thales UK business lines.Apprentices will start by enrolling onto a Level 2 Accountant Assistant Apprenticeship with our award-winning training partner, The Apprentice Academy. Delivered via a virtual delivery model over 15 months, the apprenticeship will introduce you to day-to-day accounting activities and will help you to build the competence to deliver these successfully. On completion of the programme, you will achieve an AAT Level 2 Diploma in Accounting.Following completion of the Level 2, you will be supported to progress onto the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship (18 months) and the Level 4 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship (17 months) to achieve your AAT qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Providing accurate, timely and reliable overhead and cost information, and analysis to senior management.
• Liaising with various stakeholders to understand, challenge and report the overheads and headcount of the business.
• Utilising Thales tools to develop internal reporting and ensure consistency across the UK.
• Assisting in the budgeting cycle where required.
• Managing data cleanse activities including balance sheet reconciliation.
• Supporting projects in maintaining forecast invoicing dates and improving cash forecasting.
• Supporting Project Managers and Business Controllers in timely cost transfers.
• Assisting in Project Closure activities.
• Ad hoc tasks, reporting and analysis as required by Financial Controller/Director.
• Supporting preparation and distribution of monthly financial results, ensuring tight deadlines are achieved.
• Supporting monthly overhead, headcount and Direct Labour Utilisation (DLU) reviews.
• Supporting the preparation and review of monthly Cost By Nature (CBN) and Functional Cost Report (FCR) reports, including commentary and analysis as may be requested by Group, UK or business management.
• Support the overhead Multi-Year Budget (MYB) process.
• Support the overhead reforecasting process.
• Provide information on headcount evolution.
• Provide specific analytical reports to cost centre managers.
• Support the preparation and posting of journal vouchers, including accruals, prepayments, corrections etc.

Skills and Qualifications

• 5 GCSE's 9-4 A-C including English and Maths.
• Level 2 Accountant Assistant, with progression to Level 3 Assistant Accountant and Level 4 Professional Accountant.

Further Information

Applicants please note this position is under the auspices of ApprenticeshipNI provision.Start Date: 07 September 2026.Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September - Friday 11 September 2026.Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.Recruitment Process:For further information on our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to speak to a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate or Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, all of our roles are subject to security restrictions.All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK, and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below, prior to starting with us.This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. As part of the vetting process you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, eligibility to work in the UK, time spent abroad over the last 5 years, as well as employment and or educational history.Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 06 Nov 2025

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 07 Nov 2025