Apprentice Finance Assistant - 37

The Co Operative Academies Trust; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid qualification

Mentorship & Career Growth

Flexible Working

Competitive Pay

Future Prospects

Job summary

The Co Operative Academies Trust is seeking an Apprentice Finance Assistant in Manchester. This fixed-term apprenticeship offers hybrid working, with 2 days per week in our central Manchester office (Angel Square) and the remainder remote.

You will join the Central Trust Finance team, gain hands-on experience in Purchase to Pay and general accounting while working toward the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting, with dedicated mentoring from experienced colleagues.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English Language at Grade C/4 or above.
• Basic experience in an administrative, customer service, or office-based environment.
• Proficiency in standard office software (MS Excel/Word or Google Sheets/Docs).
• Strong numerical skills and high attention to detail.
• Commitment to completing the Level 3 AAT qualification coursework.
• Alignment with cooperative values and British Values.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices and basic 3-way matching.
• Raise sales invoices and assist with routine credit control.
• Collate payment run documentation and review receipts.
• Monitor the finance inbox and keep filing systems audit-ready.

Skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Organisational skills

Education

GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language (Grade C/4+)

Tools

MS Excel/Word or Google Sheets/Docs

Job description

Apprentice Finance Assistant

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract for the duration of the apprenticeship (with the intention and hope to progress onto a permanent role upon successful completion, depending on business needs)

Location: Hybrid working - 2 days per week in our central Manchester office (Angel Square), with the remainder working remotely

Reports to: Senior Finance Assistant / Purchase Ledger Supervisor

About the Role

Are you looking to kick-start a rewarding career in finance while earning a competitive salary and gaining a formal qualification?

As our Apprentice Finance Assistant, you will join our welcoming Central Trust Finance team, gaining invaluable hands-on experience while working towards your AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.

Working closely alongside experienced finance professionals, you'll receive dedicated mentoring and close guidance as you build core accounting skills. Your day-to-day focus will centre around our Purchase to Pay (P2P) operations and general financial administration.

Key duties include:

1. Purchase Ledger & P2P: Processing supplier invoices, performing basic 3-way matching with purchase orders and goods received notes, and resolving straightforward supplier queries.
2. Sales Ledger & Master Data: Raising sales invoices, assisting with routine credit control reminders, and helping maintain accurate supplier and debtor records.
3. Payments & Expenses: Collating payment run documentation and reviewing credit card logs and receipts.
4. Inbox & Team Support: Monitoring the central finance mailbox, handling routine queries, and ensuring digital and physical filing systems are kept audit-ready.

Who / What We Are Looking For

We don't expect you to know everything on day one that's what the apprenticeship is for! We are looking for someone enthusiastic, organised, and eager to learn.

Essential Criteria:

1. Qualifications: GCSEs (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English Language at Grade C/4 or above.
2. Experience: Basic experience in an administrative, customer service, or office-based environment.
3. IT Skills: Proficiency in standard office software (such as MS Excel/Word or Google Sheets/Docs).
4. Personal Attributes: Strong numerical skills, great attention to detail, and good written and polite verbal communication.
5. Work Ethic: A positive, proactive attitude, high integrity when handling sensitive data, and a commitment to completing the coursework and portfolio required for the Level 3 AAT qualification.
6. Values: A alignment with co-operative values and principles, British Values, and the Ways of Being Co-op.

What We Offer

1. Paid Qualification: Full support and study time to complete your AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
2. Mentorship & Career Growth: Direct mentoring from experienced colleagues in a supportive, collaborative central finance team.
3. Flexible Working: Hybrid setup requiring just 2 days a week in our central Manchester office (Angel Square).
4. Competitive Pay: NJC Payscale SCP 10-11.
5. Future Prospects: This position is offered on a fixed-term basis for the duration of your apprenticeship. While progression to a permanent role cannot be guaranteed, it is very much our aim and hope to retain successful apprentices within the Trust as permanent opportunities arise.

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults as its top priority. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.