Apprentice - Finance

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

Training & mentoring

Hybrid working

Leave: 26 days + bank holidays

Volunteer days

LGPS pension

Flexible work-life balance

Bus travel discount

Job summary

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is seeking a Finance Officer Apprentice to learn hands-on across our finance operations. You’ll handle queries, maintain records, assist month‑end reporting and support process improvements in a friendly public sector team.

This 2‑year fixed term apprenticeship combines training with real responsibilities in a supportive environment. We offer hybrid working, funded apprenticeship qualifications, and a generous benefits package as part of our commitment

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
• Minimum 2 A Levels - Grade C or above, (or the equivalent qualification)
• Work/volunteering experience in a professional environment
• Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent)
• Good organisational and time management skills, with a reliable and professional approach
• A positive attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop
• The ability to work collaboratively, showing resilience, enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering your best
• Right to work in the UK and meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Handling and resolving queries in a timely manner through effective communication and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain financial and accounting records including the timely collation of data. This may include unexpected requests, due to tight timescales.
• Assist in the production of monthly management accounts and provide accurate information and reports to managers as and when required.
• Assist the finance team with ad hoc project work, month end and year end.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across finance processes.
• Build a close working relationship with the other members of the finance team and acquire a working knowledge of their roles.
• Assist in the identification and implementation of process improvements to enhance the finance department.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Organisational & time management

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Five GCSEs including English & Maths

Minimum 2 A Levels

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to start or build your career in finance while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive professional environment. As a Finance Officer Apprentice, you'll play an important role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of finance operations across the organisation, giving you exposure to a broad range of financial processes, operations, and reporting.,

• Handling and resolving queries in a timely manner through effective communication and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain financial and accounting records including the timely collation of data. This may include unexpected requests, due to tight timescales.
• Assist in the production of monthly management accounts and provide accurate information and reports to managers as and when required.
• Assist the finance team with ad hoc project work, month end and year end.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across finance processes.
• Build a close working relationship with the other members of the finance team and acquire a working knowledge of their roles.
• Assist in the identification and implementation of process improvements to enhance the finance department., We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [e-mail]. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

We're looking for enthusiastic people who are ready to learn, work as part of a team and commit to completing their apprenticeship. You'll also need:

• 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
• Minimum 2 A Levels - Grade C or above, (or the equivalent qualification)
• Work/volunteering experience in a professional environment
• Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent)
• Good organisational and time management skills, with a reliable and professional approach
• A positive attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop
• The ability to work collaboratively, showing resilience, enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering your best
• Right to work in the UK and meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.

At the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, you'll be part of the work shaping the future of our region. From improving transport and supporting greener communities to creating opportunities for local people, you'll contribute to projects that make a real difference. You'll see the impact of your work in the communities around you while building valuable skills for your future.

A fully funded apprenticeship qualification

This is a 2 year fixed term contract starting November 2026., Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

Benefits

• Paid, hands-on experience in a supportive public sector organisation
• Training, mentoring and opportunities to develop your career
• A welcoming workplace where we value being Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, Confident and Innovative
• The chance to make a positive impact across the West of England
• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The annual salary for this role is £26,403 - £27,694. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.