Finance Advanced Apprentice

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave + 8 holidays + 4*

Parking and cycle to work scheme

Discounts via benefits portal

On-site nursery (Outstanding)

Health & wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Pension scheme

Job summary

Durham University is offering a three-year Finance apprenticeship aimed at gaining knowledge across transactional, management and planning accounting. The role combines on‑the‑job training with day release to college for AAT levels.

Based at Boldon House near Durham, the apprenticeship provides development within the Finance Service and supports hybrid working arrangements while pursuing formal qualifications.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level 4 including English Language and Mathematics.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with others.
• Experience of working in a team and meeting deadlines.
• Willingness to undertake an AAT qualification and balance college work.
• Residency eligibility to work in England as outlined by government rules.

Responsibilities

• Service Delivery: contribute to a responsive team service for stakeholders.
• Log and record routine information using standard office applications.
• Follow guidelines and pass on information to colleagues as needed.
• Support time management and organisation during peak periods.

Skills

Communication skills

Digital literacy

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Attendance

Ambition

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Job description

The Role and Department

The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. To find out more, visit the project webpage: Boldon House - Durham University.

Our Finance Service

Supports the University in delivering its strategic objectives. Works in partnership with Academic Departments, Colleges and other Professional Services to deliver and monitor the annual financial plan. Provides regular and timely reporting of the University's financial position and performance. Ensures that the University's Financial Regulations are fit for purpose and that the organisation adheres to them. Safeguards and optimises assets and controls liabilities. Processes financial transactions in a timely, accurately and professional manner.

Role Purpose

To gain knowledge, understanding and experience across all financial teams; Transactional Finance - processing of financial transactions, accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management; Management & Capital Accounting - month end processing and control, maintenance of financial systems and capital management; Financial Planning and Analysis - production of forecasts, production of reports, financial accounting. This is a Finance development as an advanced apprentice. The successful candidate will, in addition to having an interest in the financial operations of the University, have the ability and potential to develop and understand basic principle and processes within finance. The post-holder will undertake a three-year development programme, leading to formal qualifications and gain experience of a fully functional finance service. Formal qualifications will require day release to a local college to complete 2 levels of AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). The qualifications will form part of a development plan, created in conjunction with the successful candidate and taking into account their individual needs. This plan will be regularly reviewed and form the basis of the continual assessment. It is anticipated that the development process will take three years to complete, however it may be extended if the University considers it necessary. The post holder will work within the Finance Team. It is a requirement for this role that the University is satisfied that you meet the apprentice eligibility criteria for the qualification you would be undertaking as part of the role. Including right to work, residency eligibility, visa duration, previous qualifications conditions and completion viability. This will be applicable for any apprenticeship funding eligibility.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. Working at Durham.

Benefits

• You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

• Excellent communication skills, willing to speak to others, in person or by email/Teams & by phone
• Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience)
• Experience of working in a team.
• Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience of working in a customer-focused service.
• Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately, demonstrating great attention to detail.
• Have excellent attendance & time keeping.
• Have a can‑do attitude and passion.
• Be driven and ambitious.
• Have the willingness to undertake an AAT qualification (or equivalent)
• Be able to balance working and completing assigned college work
• Residency eligibility - The apprentice must have the legal right to work in England. The apprentice must meet the residency requirements detailed in Annex A of the Funding Rules for Apprenticeships. This includes (but is not limited to): being ordinarily resident in the UK (or specified territories) for at least three years immediately before the apprenticeship begins, unless a specific exemption applies. Exemptions may apply to individuals with; refugee status or humanitarian protection, permission under the Ukraine or Afghan schemes, stateless status, certain family member rights, pre‑settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. More information can be found on: Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan guidance, 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK

Desirable Criteria: Experience of effectively using a range of software applications, including Oracle Fusion.

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.

• Service Delivery • Contribute input within a service team to provide a responsive service for stakeholders.
• Service Delivery • Be aware of any hazards and risks and report any incidents.
• Service Delivery • Log and record routine information and data for use by others.
• Service Delivery • Pass on information for use by others.
• Service Delivery • Use standard office-based devices and applications such as Microsoft 365 and Oracle Fusion to deliver services.
• Teamwork • Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
• Teamwork • Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.
• Teamwork • Contribute to team effort with more straightforward tasks during peak workflows.
• Teamwork • Help colleagues organise office equipment and resources.
• Teamwork • Learn new skills and techniques on the job working alongside more experienced team members.
• Teamwork • Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
• Communication/Personal • Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
• Communication/Personal • Respond to routine requests for information.
• Communication/Personal • Follow guidelines and protocols to determine what to pass on and to whom where necessary.
• Communication/Personal • Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with the wider university.
• Communication/Personal • Any other reasonable duties.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Carol Bainbridge would be happy to speak to you. [e-mail]

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.