Accounting and Finance Operations Apprentice - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Vertex; London; On-site; GBP 19,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biotechnology company in London is offering an apprenticeship in Accounting and Finance. The role supports various operations, providing valuable experience and training towards AAT qualifications. Candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths, and ideally A levels including Maths and/or Economics. The position offers a salary of £18,500, plus benefits such as a generous holiday allowance and a pension scheme. Successful candidates can expect opportunities for future employment upon completion of their apprenticeship.

Benefits

28 Days Holiday Allowance

Employee Pension Scheme

Discount schemes

Employee assistance programme

Employee recognition / Aspire Awards

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above required.
• A levels ideally including Maths and/or Economics.

Responsibilities

• Support the Global Accounts Payable team with invoice management.
• Assist with the General Ledger Accounting team's daily tasks.
• Develop collaboration and project management skills.

Skills

Good written and oral communication skills

Problem solving skills

Good ability to multitask

Attention to detail

Teamwork and consideration for team members

Education

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above

A levels including Maths and/or Economics

Job description

Overview

An excellent opportunity to support Vertex’ Accounting and Finance Operations and get a head start in a career in Finance and Accounting whilst obtaining a valuable professional qualification in the AAT.

You will gain a better understanding into the Biotechnology industry and support a company that has a clear, important mission to complete in developing and using scientific innovation to provide transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.

Qualification Requirements

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above and A levels ideally including maths and/or Economics

Salary

£18,500 per annum

Annual salary review with a set progression structure in place.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Discount schemes
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee recognition / Aspire Awards

Location - Vertex Pharmaceuticals (U.K.) Limited, 2 Kingdom St, London W2 6BD

Working Hours - Monday to Friday, 08:30am – 17:30pm with 1 hour paid lunch break.

Duration - 45 months

Start Date - TBC March 2026

Closing Date for Applications - 30th October 2025

To Apply

To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on [e-mail] for assistance

Next Steps

Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email.

The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager along with your application form to decide who is brought through to the final interview.

Job Description

This role will provide an opportunity to understand how Vertex’ Accounting and Finance teams work together and are supported by global systems. It offers a UK and International perspective as the team supports operations in approximately 22 countries.

The first phase of apprenticeship will primarily focus on supporting the Global Accounts Payable team in accurately and compliantly supporting payment of our suppliers’ invoices. During this time, skills such as email management, clear communication and business partnering, KPI management and teamwork will be developed.

The second phase will support our General Ledger Accounting team. Having developed generalist skills through the first year with Accounts Payable and gained an understanding of accounting during studies, this will provide the chance to understand and support the accounting team’s day-to-day work and start to put your AAT training into practice.

You can expect to develop:

• Collaboration and teamworking skills
• Accounting and operational Finance understanding
• Project management and organisational skill

Candidate Requirements

• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good ability to multitask
• Problem solving skills
• Good numerical and IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Enthusiasm, can-do proactive attitude
• Resilience and perseverance
• Teamwork and consideration to members of team and wider organisation
• Highly motivated and drive to develop oneself
• Demonstrates reliability and integrity

Training To Be Delivered

Qualification to be delivered: AAT level 3 progressing onto level 4

Apprenticeship Standard: Assistant Accountant progressing onto Professional accounting technician

Training Provider: BPP

Delivery model: Online

Future Prospects

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, although there is not a guaranteed full time employee position at Vertex, you will be eligible to apply for open positions.

The training will expose the apprentice to a wide range of skills and competencies which would make them well placed for further study and suitable for many job opportunities in the Finance and Accounting sector.

Things To Be Considered

Please ensure that you currently live within or can relocate to a commutable distance of the site.

All applications are to be made through Cogent Skills vacancies. Do not contact the employer.

About Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases.

We discovered and developed the first medicines to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare, life-threatening genetic disease. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases.

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, our corporate headquarters is now located in Boston’s Innovation District, and our international headquarters is in London, United Kingdom.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person\'s race, colour, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

Culture and Values:

At Vertex we are committed to fostering a culture based on our values. We bring together the brightest minds from all walks of life and offer our employees an environment where they can be their best selves and perform their best work.