Finance Apprentice

Walsall Council; Walsall; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay

Job summary

Walsall Council's Finance Service invites applications for an Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprentice. This fixed-term role runs up to 18 months, 37 hours per week, combining workplace learning with training from a provider.

You will support financial planning, budgeting and reporting while studying towards AAT Level 2 qualification; the role offers real career progression and the chance to build local government finance experience, with the salary bands published by the apprenticeship scheme.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
• AAT Level 2 qualification (or equivalent accounting qualification).
• Evidence of qualifications required prior to interview.

Responsibilities

• Assist with financial processing and reconciliations.
• Support budgeting, financial planning and reporting tasks.
• Contribute to teamwork within the Finance Service.

Skills

IT skills

Numerical skills

Written & verbal communication

Attention to detail

Education

GCSE Maths & English (4/C+)

AAT Level 2 or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprentice - Ref: RT01026

Wage as per National Minimum for Advanced and Higher Apprentice rate (based on age):

These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.

Wage rates (April 2026):

• Under 18: £8.08
• 18 to 20: £10.96
• 21 years and older: £12.84
• Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 and above): £13.45

We are excited to offer a number of opportunities for motivated individuals to join Walsall Council's Finance Service as an Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprenticeand begin building a rewarding career in local government finance.

Walsall Council's Finance Service supports vital services that make a difference to local people every day. Our teams work across a wide range of areas including financial planning, budgeting, business partnering, treasury management, and financial reporting.

These opportunities have arisen because of the successful progression of our previous apprentices and trainees into higher-level finance roles and professional qualifications, demonstrating the strong career development opportunities available within the Finance Service.

The apprenticeship is a fixed-term position for up to 18 months and is based on 37 hours per week. Your time will be split between workplace learning and apprenticeship training delivered by the training provider.

As an apprentice you will:

• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job-specific skills
• earn a wage and get holiday pay
• study towards a related qualification

What We’re Looking For:

Attitude

• Enthusiastic and motivated.
• Willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Reliable and committed to completing the apprenticeship programme within the timescales.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.

Skills

• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organisation and attention to detail.

Commitment

• Demonstrate an interest in building a long-term career within local government finance.

Qualifications

You must have achieved:

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
• AAT Level 2 qualification (or equivalent accounting qualification).

Applicants must have achieved all required qualifications at the point of application. Evidence of qualifications will be required prior to interview if shortlisted.

Successful completion of this apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee progression to a higher-level apprenticeship or permanent position.

Eligibility

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon confirmation that apprenticeship funding and eligibility criteria are met, and that the applicant is accepted onto the programme by the training provider.

Apprenticeship funding rules may restrict eligibility for applicants who already hold qualifications at the same level or higher in accounting, finance or a closely related subject. Eligibility will be assessed in line with current Government funding rules and training provider requirements.

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.

The closing date for applications is 6th September 2026

Interviews will be split into 2 stages for shortlisted applicants:

Stage 1 - will consist of a virtual pre-screening interview conducted via Microsoft Teams, will take place week commencing 21st September 2026 (likely Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd). If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend Stage 2.

Stage 2 – will be a face to face interview within the Civic Centre. This stage will consist of a short test followed by an interview. These interviews will be held week commencing 30th September 2026 (likely Wednesday 30th & Thursday 1st Oct).

Please note that, once confirmed, interview dates will be fixed and we will be unable to rearrange them.

Previous apprenticeship vacancies have attracted significant interest and may close early if a high volume of applications is received. Early application is therefore encouraged.

For more information please contact Rowena Hawkins [e-mail]

Applications are invited using our online application form only.
All correspondence will be via email, therefore candidates should check their email and WMJobs account on a regular basis after submitting an application