Finance Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2027

MBDA UK; Bolton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded qualification starting 9/

Travel expenses paid

Annual pay reviews

Healthcare plan

25 days annual leave

Study leave

Job summary

MBDA UK is offering a Finance Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship located in Bolton. The programme provides a fully funded qualification starting September 2027, with a £21,000 salary and a £3,000 joining bonus, over a four-year duration. Placements within MBDA Finance functions will enhance practical experience while you study with BPP.

Applicants should plan travel to MBDA sites and training sessions. You will complete Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting, followed by Level 4 Diploma with AAT.

Qualifications

• GCSEs: at least 5 grades 9-4 including English, Maths and a science/tech subject.
• Must pass a basic 4-day pre-assessment with BPP for Level 3 AAT.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft applications required.

Responsibilities

• Complete Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications delivered by BPP alongside placements in Finance functions.
• Attend MBDA site and training provider as required for apprenticeship.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Level 3 Accountancy Apprenticeship (AAT Diploma)

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (AAT)

Job description

Finance Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2027 Salary: £21,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus Duration: 4 years MBDA location: Bolton Learning provider: BPP - this provider offers 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, which can be found here https://www.bpp.com/about-bpp/locations Due to the need to attend your MBDA site and the training provider as required for your apprenticeship, applicants need to ensure their home or rental location is appropriate, travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised as required for your role.

The qualification: You'll complete a Level 3 Accountancy Apprenticeship where you'll gain an AAT Diploma in Accounting. Then you'll move on to complete a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting with AAT (Association for Accounting Technicians), as part of a Professional Accounting Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship. Find more details about the courses here: https://www.bpp.com/courses/accountancy-and-tax/apprenticeships/assistant-accountant https://www.bpp.com/courses/accountancy-and-tax/apprenticeships/professional-accounting-taxation-technician

Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 20th November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

Programme structure - your work at MBDA:

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.) Whilst completing your level 3 and 4 qualifications, you’ll compliment your study by completing placements within at least two Finance functions, where you'll be onsite 2-3 days per week. 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.

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.

Potential placements could be available in the following areas:

• 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

What we’re looking for from you:

• GCSE's: A minimum of 5 GCSE's at grades 9-4
• This must include: English Language Mathematics A Science or Technology subject
• Basic understanding of Microsoft applications is essential for this apprenticeship.
• Please note: For this apprenticeship you will be 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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

What we do matters. Because defence matters. As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future. We are proud to be an award-winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets.

Whatever your background, we welcome your application to MBDA UK and look forward to speaking with you soon.