Apprentice Finance Assistant (Apprenticeship)

GetMyFirstJob Ltd; Brierley Hill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A finance training organization in Brierley Hill is seeking an Apprentice Assistant Accountant to assist in various financial tasks including invoice processing, supplier management, and bank reconciliations. The role involves training towards the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. Strong numerical skills and excellent communication abilities are required. This is a great opportunity for candidates looking to develop a career in finance.

Responsibilities

• Invoice processing and verification for goods and services.
• Supplier account management and updates.
• Statement reconciliation against financial records.
• Assist in daily financial transactions, including journal entries.
• Perform bank reconciliations.
• Create and manage purchase orders and goods received notes.
• Support in managing the Central Finance email inbox.
• Provide audit support during internal and external audits.

Skills

Strong numerical skills

Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)

Ability to develop positive on-going working relationships

Ability to use initiative to problem solve

Ability to work to deadlines

Strong organisational skills

Understanding of double entry book keeping principles

Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Teams

Education

GCSE Maths & English - Grade 4 and above

AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing: Receive, verify, and process invoices for goods and services across the trust's schools, matching them against purchase orders and ensuring correct coding using the chart of accounts.
• Supplier Management: Maintain the central finance system by setting up new supplier accounts and updating existing supplier details to ensure accurate and current records.
• Statement Reconciliation: Proactively reconcile supplier statements against the finance system to identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Creditor Review: Assist with reviewing creditor balances regularly to ensure accuracy and support the preparation of management reports.
• General Financial Transactions
• Daily Transactions: Process a variety of financial transactions, including journal entries, credit card expenditure, staff expense claims, sales invoices, and bank receipts and payments.
• Bank Reconciliations: Help perform daily or monthly bank reconciliations to ensure that the bank account accurately reflects the trust's financial records.
• Procurement and Controls
• Purchase Orders: Assist with creating purchase orders for schools, ensuring they are compliant with the trust's procurement policy and internal procedures.
• Goods Received Notes (GRN): Support the process of reviewing GRNs, liaising with school staff to confirm goods and services have been received before invoices are processed for payment.
• Purchase Order Management: Contribute to the process of closing completed purchase orders to ensure the finance system is kept up to date.
• Administrative Support
• Email Management: Assist in the management of the Central Finance email inbox, actioning or redirecting queries as needed.
• Record Keeping: Assist with general administrative duties, such as filing financial records and other documentation, to ensure an accurate and organised system is maintained.
• Audit Support: Provide support to the Finance Officer and Head of Finance during internal and external audits by gathering and organising necessary documentation and information.
• Compliance and Reporting
• Financial Procedures: Operate strictly within the guidelines of the Trust's financial procedures, policies, and the Academies Trust Handbook to ensure compliance.
• Financial Reporting: Support the finance team in preparing regular financial reports and assisting with month-end and year-end close processes.

Training

Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Level 3. This level is ideal for existing staff or new talent in an accounting or finance role. Their work could include assisting in the day to day financial activities such as data entry to month end management accounts and/or year-end financial statements. You will be studying the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. This level will encourage you to master more complex accounting principles in both Bookkeeping and Management Accounting. You will study 5 units:

• Financial Accounting; Preparing Financial Statements (FAPS).
• Management Accounting Techniques (MATS).
• Tax Processes for Business (TPFB).
• Business Awareness (BUAW).
• Advanced Synoptic Assessment (ADSY) which forms part of your End Point Assessment.

An apprenticeship has to be relevant to the job you are undertaking and you must dedicate time to off the job training, as well as completing knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with your apprenticeship.

GCSE Maths & English - Grade 4 and above

AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2)

Skills required

• Strong numerical skills
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to develop positive on-going working relationships and to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to use initiative to problem solve, recognising any issues and to deal with queries
• Ability to work to deadlines on time sensitive tasks periodically, managing conflicting priorities to achieve desired outcomes
• Strong organisational skills and high level of attention to detail
• Demonstrate an understanding of double entry book keeping principles
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Teams