Financial Accounts Apprentice

University of Southampton; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

AAT Level 3 Diploma support

Structured apprenticeship program

Job summary

University of Southampton is seeking a Financial Accounts Apprentice to join our Financial Accounts team. The role offers practical accounting experience while studying towards the Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting, over 15 months with a mix of structured learning and on‑the‑job training.

You will support financial accounting activities, assist with statutory accounts and audits, and gain exposure to treasury and financial systems in a large, complex organisation with hybrid working.

Qualifications

• Knowledge base through relevant experience, vocational training or academic qualifications (e.g., A Levels or Level 2/3).
• Desire to progress towards professional accounting qualifications (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) advantageous.
• Good command of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of statutory accounts and external audits.
• Carry out day-to-day accounting for subsidiary companies.
• Support operation of the Unit4 ERP finance system.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Proactive problem solving

Team player

Education

Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting

Tools

Excel

Job description

Be part of the University of Southampton, a founding member of the Russell Group and a globally recognised institution renowned for the quality of its education and research, supported by effective financial management and professional services.

This is an exciting time to join the University of Southampton as we continue to enhance our financial systems and processes. We are seeking a Financial Accounts Apprentice to join our Financial Accounts team, offering an excellent opportunity to begin or develop a career in finance within a large and complex organisation.

This role offers the opportunity to gain practical accounting experience while studying towards the Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting. Over the 15-month apprenticeship, you will divide your time between structured learning and on-the-job training, spending approximately 15-20% of your working week on study and the remainder developing your skills within the Financial Accounts team.

Salary

In year one of the apprenticeship, pay will be 60% of this lowest spine point value, £16,391.40, before increasing to 70% in year two and to 80% in year three.

• NB - Notwithstanding the provisions set out above, all apprentices will receive a salary which equates to at least the applicable National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age, where this exceeds those contractual provisions.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, pay will be the lowest spine point of Level 2b, which is Spine Point 17, £27,319 full-time equivalent.

The Role

The Financial Accounts Apprentice will support the Financial Accountant/Head of Financial Accounting and Treasury and the wider team in delivering core financial accounting activities. This varied and developmental role provides exposure to a broad range of finance tasks, contributing to the preparation of the University's group financial statements, treasury activities and financial systems, while developing the skills required to achieve the Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting.

Key responsibilities include assisting with the preparation of statutory accounts and external audits, carrying out day-to-day accounting activities for subsidiary companies, and supporting the operation of the Unit4 ERP finance system. The role will also involve supporting month-end processes, performing reconciliations, processing financial transactions, and assisting with treasury activities including banking queries and cash management.

In addition, you will provide administrative support to the Financial Accounts team and contribute to project work and continuous improvement initiatives across the finance function. You will also actively engage with your apprenticeship programme, applying your learning in the workplace and working towards successful completion of the Level 3 AAT qualification.

About You

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual keen to build a career in finance. You will have a good foundation of knowledge through relevant experience, vocational training or academic qualifications (for example, A Levels or an equivalent Level 2/3 qualification), and a willingness to develop your skills through an apprenticeship. An aspiration to progress towards professional accounting qualifications such as CIMA, ACCA or ACA would be advantageous.

You will be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, with strong attention to detail, organisational skills and a proactive approach to learning and problem solving.

You will be a team player with good communication skills, able to work effectively with colleagues across the University.

We are committed to building an inclusive culture and offer flexible hybrid working to support work-life balance. This role combines home and campus working, with some duties requiring attendance at our Highfield Campus.

If you are looking to start your career in finance and gain valuable experience, we would love to hear from you.