Finance Assistant (Apprentice) - Subsidiaries

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust offers an exciting Finance Assistant Apprentice role within its subsidiary finance team, supporting a £1bn+ NHS Foundation Trust and its diverse healthcare subsidiaries.

You will gain hands-on experience while working towards an AAT Level 3 qualification, with training in journals, supplier payments, invoicing and monthly reporting as part of a 22‑month fixed-term programme.

Qualifications

• Capable of attaining AAT Level 3 apprenticeship.
• GCSEs (9-5) including Mathematics and English.
• Some knowledge of finance procedures e.g. petty cash, VAT.
• Previous clerical, finance or customer service experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end processes and processing journals.
• Manage supplier payments, raise invoices, investigate financial queries.
• Maintain financial records and assist with management information.

Skills

Numerical skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

GCSEs including Mathematics and English

AAT Level 3 apprenticeship

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Finance Assistant (Apprentice) - Subsidiaries

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Fixed Term Contract End Date: 22 months

Purpose for Fixed Term: Apprenticeship

Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Main duties of the job

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to start and develop a rewarding career in finance within the NHS? We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Finance Assistant Apprentice to join our Subsidiary Finance Team, supporting a diverse range of healthcare subsidiary companies within a £1bn+ NHS Foundation Trust.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience within a professional finance environment while working towards an AAT Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification. You will develop practical accounting and finance skills through a combination of formal study and workplace training, supported by experienced finance professionals.

Working as part of our 100‑strong Finance Team, you will contribute to the delivery of accurate and timely financial information and support services. You will gain experience across a wide range of finance activities, including processing journals, investigating invoice and payment queries, supporting monthly financial reporting, maintaining financial records, raising invoices and requisitions, updating financial systems and spreadsheets, and assisting with financial analysis and reconciliations.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI‑generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The role offers excellent development opportunities for someone with strong numerical and organisational skills who is keen to learn, work collaboratively, and build a successful career in finance. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be supported to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a future career in NHS finance whilst contributing to the continued success of our subsidiary businesses.

As a Finance Assistant Apprentice, you will support the Subsidiary Finance Team in delivering a high-quality finance service across our subsidiary companies. You will gain hands‑on experience in a wide range of financial activities, including supporting month‑end processes, processing journals, managing supplier payments, raising invoices, investigating financial queries, maintaining financial records, and assisting with the production of management information. This role offers genuine variety and the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of how finance supports the wider organisation and its operational services.

Alongside your practical experience, you will undertake a Level 3 Finance Apprenticeship, studying towards the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 qualification. You will be provided with dedicated study time and off‑the‑job training, ensuring you have the support needed to succeed both academically and professionally.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, curious and eager to learn. You will enjoy working as part of a team, take pride in producing accurate work, and be confident communicating with colleagues and asking questions to develop your knowledge and skills. Previous experience in an office, customer service or finance environment would be advantageous, although not essential.

This is a 22‑month fixed‑term position, aligned to the completion of the apprenticeship programme. Upon successful completion, you will have gained valuable experience, a recognised professional qualification, and a strong foundation for a future career in finance. The qualification also provides an excellent pathway to further study, including progression to AAT Level 4 and full AAT membership.

Due to the nature of the role, you will be organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities effectively. You will have strong numerical and analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high standards of work. You will be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and will demonstrate initiative, professionalism and a willingness to learn in a fast‑paced finance environment.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Capable of attaining AAT Level 3 apprenticeship


• GCSEs (grades 9-5; A*-C) including Mathematics and English or equivalent experience


• Some knowledge of finance procedures e.g. petty cash, systems, VAT

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of clerical, finance or customer service work

Values and behaviours

Essential criteria

• Patients First


• Always Improving


• Working Together