Finance Apprentice

Middlesbrough College; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the Tees Valley is seeking a motivated Finance Apprentice to provide effective financial administration support while pursuing a Level 2 AAT qualification. Responsibilities include processing invoices, maintaining financial records, and assisting the Purchasing team. The position offers a starting salary of £14,565 and comprehensive benefits including annual leave, gym membership, and professional development opportunities. Applicants must have GCSEs in English and Maths and a commitment to safeguarding.

Benefits

Free gym membership

24/7 counselling services

Flexible hours

Paid volunteering days

Discounts at retailers and restaurants

Qualifications

• Good communication skills necessary for team interactions.
• Basic IT skills required for finance system management.
• Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Assist Purchasing team with invoice processing.
• Maintain accurate financial records in the finance system.
• Monitor and manage Purchasing email inbox.

Skills

Good communication skills

Basic IT skills

Good team worker

Attention to detail

Commitment to personal development

Education

3 GCSEs at Grades A-C (including English & Maths)

Job description

Overview

Job title: Finance Apprentice. Department: Finance. Reporting to: Purchasing Team Leader. Location: Middlesbrough College Main Campus, TS2 1AD. Contract: Fixed Term – 21 months, 37 hours per week. Starting salary £14,565 for the first 12 months, rising to National Minimum Wage for age. 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Basis: Full time. AAT Level 2/3/4 per the apprenticeship.

We are looking for a motivated Finance Apprentice to join our busy Finance Department and provide accurate, timely and effective financial administration support across the College whilst working towards a Level 2 AAT qualification (with possible progression onto level 3 and 4). The role supports transactional finance processes, financial controls, audit and compliance activity, and contributes to the smooth operation of the Finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist and support the Purchasing team to accurately input and record supplier invoices, matching to purchase orders, including the correct recording of VAT.
• Process electronic purchase requests and distribute official Purchase Orders via email to suppliers and relevant staff; inform the Goods In office of pending deliveries.
• Monitor the Purchasing email inbox, sort invoices, credit notes, and statements, and respond to general Purchasing enquiries.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records within the College’s finance system.
• Support the reconciliation of control accounts, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, and other general ledger accounts.
• Identify errors or anomalies and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Contribute to the maintenance of effective segregation of duties and internal controls.
• Assist with categorising suppliers and updating supplier cards with category information to aid reporting.
• Assist with query resolution from various sources, including face to face, email and telephone.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Good communication skills.
• Basic IT skills.
• Good team worker.
• Commitment to quality of work with attention to detail.
• Commitment to achievement of AAT Level 2/3/4.
• Commitment to continued personal development.
• Commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults within the College.

Qualifications

• 3 GCSEs at Grades A-C (including English & Maths) or equivalent.
• A commitment to undertake any mandatory training relevant to the role.

Why Join Us?

• Substantial annual leave entitlement plus holiday purchase scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing: free gym membership, 24/7 counselling for you and your family.
• Family-friendly policies: flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support including counselling, legal and financial advice.
• Professional development: extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities.
• Funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training, and paid volunteering days.
• Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at onsite salon.
• College benefit scheme – College Extras: up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants; discounted gift cards; home & tech upgrades via salary sacrifice; Cycle to Work; EV leasing (Coming soon); discounted onsite car parking.

To learn more about working at Middlesbrough College, please visit the Work For U page. For further details and to discuss the role in more detail, please contact the Purchasing Team Leader on the provided contact details.

Other Information

Safeguarding Our Students: Middlesbrough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Applicants may be required to complete pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The College is an equal opportunities employer and supports applicants with disabilities. Right to work in the UK: applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application; visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Recruitment Process: Applications are shortlisted as they are received; early applications are encouraged. Equality & Diversity: Middlesbrough College is an equal opportunities employer, and we actively support a diverse workforce.