Finance Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is seeking Finance Apprentices to gain qualifications and experience in financial planning, cost control, and business partnership within teams. The role offers the chance to complete Level 3 and 4 AAT qualifications while working in Finance functions. This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in finance.

Benefits

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave plus flexi leave

Study leave during exam periods

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English Language and Mathematics.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of company-level financial plans and reports.
• Working as a business partner within multi-functional teams.
• Control of functional budgets and recovery of cost base.
• Cash management and foreign currency hedging.
• Support in creating robust financial proposals.

Education

GCSEs at grades 9–4 including English Language and Mathematics

Job description

Benefits

• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

The opportunity

Our vision in Finance is to operate as one coordinated team, which strives to deliver a consistent application of standard methodology, financial controls and processes. We look to challenge all areas of the business, improve shareholder value, protect the assets of MBDA and ensure we align with all national and shareholder requirements. Our Finance Apprentices will be given an insight into the various roles within Finance, to develop a well‑rounded experience of the service the function provides to the wider business, and a strong foundation of the skills and behaviours that a business partner should be able to bring to the business in the future.

Programme structure

As part of the Apprenticeship, you will study for a Level 3 Assistant Accountant qualification (18 months). Following this you'll move on to complete a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting with AAT, as part of a Professional Accounting Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship (a further 18 months). The final 12 months of the scheme you will be working full time to gain practical experience and put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. Whilst completing your level 3 and 4 qualifications, you'll complement your study by completing placements within at least two Finance functions. There is then potential to access further professional qualifications within Finance depending upon your performance over the course of the apprenticeship. Your studies will be delivered by BPP, who offer the flexibility of either face‑to‑face learning in the classroom, or virtual lessons through live or recorded sessions (the level of flexibility is dependent on BPP locations).

Responsibilities

• Accounting and Planning – preparation of company‑level financial plans and reports for senior management and other stakeholders
• Programmes Finance – working as a business partner within multi‑functional teams, focused on contract delivery and execution
• Cost Control – control of functional budgets, including Information Management and Facilities, and recovery of the cost base through hourly rates
• Treasury – cash management and foreign currency hedging
• Bids and Contract Evaluation – support the creation of robust, profitable financial proposals to customers for our products and services

GCSE Requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4. This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics

Pre‑assessment

For this apprenticeship all students are required to complete and pass a basic 4‑day pre‑assessment with BPP to make sure you are fully prepared to begin the AAT Level 3. This free, four‑day, online classroom Bookkeeping for Level 3 course will take place in August, you’ll be fully supported by a tutor, with an assessment at the end of the week.

Our company

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.