Security Services Group (SSG) - Finance Apprentice

Ministry of Defence; Swindon; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Swindon is seeking a Finance HEO Apprentice. This role supports high-quality financial services, including budgeting and reporting. The apprenticeship lasts approximately 3.5 years, leading to professional qualifications like ACCA/CIMA. Essential skills include strong analytical abilities and attention to detail. A commitment to completing the apprenticeship is required. Generous benefits include annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Career Development Opportunities

Family Support Policies

Health and Wellbeing Benefits

On-Site Amenities

Qualifications

• Producing reports and dashboards for monthly financial and budget reviews
• Reviewing, analysing and interpreting financial data
• Providing accurate financial information and advice to challenging deadlines

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of budgets and forecasts
• Support the production of monthly and year-end financial reports
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures and controls

Skills

Strong numerical and analytical skills

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks

Commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme

Education

5 GCSE qualifications including Maths and English Language at grade 4 (C) or above

Degree or equivalent qualification in a finance-related subject

Job description

About the job

Job summary

Security Services Group (SSG) is the MOD’s Technical Authority for electronic and physical security providing in-house expert advice, design, installation and maintenance of electronic and physical security systems across Government, prioritised towards Secret and Above Secret, and items ACTO. SSG is part of GUARDIAN and is positioned within Standing Joint Command to support UK homeland security and resilience.

With an FTE of 325, SSG provides technical specialist ‘consultancy’ advice to projects to support the creation of design specifications through to commissioning; project management and delivery with through life maintenance; strategic and tactical compliance assurance reviews and audits across the business; an assured government use only Intruder Detection System built in-house; and security furniture services. Head of SSG is also the MOD’s Head of Specialism for Physical Security across the MOD (part of the Government Security Profession).

SSG’s Operational Delivery teams are the MOD’s specialist in-house security providers, delivering project management, design, installation and 24/7, 365 days a year maintenance of all aspects of electronic and physical security, with a global reach. SSG’s work is independently audited to ensure, ISO 9001:2015 and NSI compliance and accreditation as well as MOD’s own internal compliance regime. To learn more about SSG, visitSecurity Services Group - GOV.UK

Security Services Group Overseasprovide thefull range of SSG services to MOD and wider government estates overseas. This includes support to Permanent Joint Operating Bases, overseas training locations, and overseas operational areas. Support ranges across the project lifecycle from initial security advice, to design, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning of SSG equipment. Each function is delivered through a blend of UK and overseas based personnel supporting activity in over 20 countries.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As a Finance HEO Apprentice, you will work within a dynamic finance team, supporting the delivery of high-quality financial services. You will contribute to budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and assurance activities, helping to ensure value for money and compliance with government financial regulations.

You will be supported through a structured apprenticeship programme, gaining both on-the-job experience and formal learning towards a professional finance qualification (e.g. ACCA / CIMA).

You will undertake a Level 7 Apprenticeship. This is an approximately 3.5-year scheme, and you will be expected to maintain the commitment required to complete your apprenticeship.

Most of your learning will be ‘on-the-job’, ensuring you gain real life experience within a professional environment. Up to 20% of your time will be dedicated to ‘off-the-job’ training; this will be delivered through on-line courses, webinars and self-study facilitated by our training provider.

The level 7 accountancy qualification is an industry and globally recognised qualification that provides you with the academic preparation and underpinning skills necessary to prepare you for your future.

Completion of both the Level 7 Apprenticeship programme and the practical experience requirements on the scheme will enable candidates to gain a Professional Chartered Accountancy Qualification.

Your role will include the following activities:

• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of budgets and forecasts.
• Support the production of monthly and year-end financial reports.
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and controls.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including finance business partners and auditors.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.
• Balance work responsibilities with apprenticeship learning and assessments

Person specification

Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Producing reports and dashboards for monthly financial and budget reviews
• Reviewing, analysing, and interpreting financial data, escalating issues where appropriate
• Working to resolve issues identified during audits and embed solutions by engaging with relevant stakeholders
• Providing accurate financial information and advice to challenging deadlines
• Ensuring integrity and accuracy of systems and data, engaging with others to resolve inaccuracies
• Seeking feedback and continuously improving the service provided to customers
• Being open to challenge and new ideas, building a supportive team environment and encouraging sharing of best practice, knowledge and experience.
• Making decisions on day-to-day issues within your area(s) of responsibility, involving senior staff or experts where required.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks
• Commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a finance or administrative role (paid or voluntary).
• Awareness of public sector finance or government accounting principles.

Please be aware that you are required to hold the qualifications stated as required and that unless otherwise stated in the advert a higher-level qualification cannot be accepted in lieu of the lower (E.G. an English Language A Level cannot replace the GCSE if the GCSE is not a required grade).

Please see the guide for acceptable equivalents – What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-level) and (https://scqf.org.uk/media/e5pjypw4/qccb-web-oct-2019.pdf) for Scotland.

Evidence of the above qualifications will be required as part of your pre-employment checks before a formal offer can be made.

You must have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA (including other countries determined within the EEA or those with bilateral agreements), for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.

If you are a permanent MoD civil servant and are found successful for an advertised Fixed-term Appointment (FTA) you should move into the post under a Temporary Transfer for up to a maximum of 23 months. At the end of the posting, you will return to your previous MoD Business area. If this posting is at a higher grade, your promotion will be temporary, and you will return to your substantive grade at the end of the Temporary Transfer. If a Temporary Transfer cannot be agreed between all parties, then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA and Change of Work Location in the UK policy for further information.

If you are transferring to MoD from another government department (OGD) you should join the MoD on an inward loan. At the end of the loan, you will return to your home (OGD) department. If a loan cannot be agreed between all parties, then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA policy for further information.

Qualifications

To apply, you must have:

• 5 GCSE (level 2) qualifications, including Maths and English Language, at grade 4 (C) or above or equivalent

And either

• Degree or equivalent (Level 6) qualification in a finance-related subject

Or

• Minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies) AND finance work experience relevant to the main responsibilities of the post (this should be demonstrated in your personal statement).
• Evidence of the above qualifications will be required as part of your pre-employment checks before a formal offer can be made.

Behaviours

We\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £36,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave increasing by one day per year to a maximum of 30 days after five years of service.
• Career Development: Benefit from continuous professional development opportunities within the security field, helping you grow and advance your career.
• Equipment: Toolkit, laptop and mobile phone.
• Family Support: Access enhanced parental leave policies to support work-life balance during important life events.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy savings through the Defence Discount Service (fees apply), offerings deals on a range of products and services.
• Health and Wellbeing: Receive Specsavers eye test vouchers and access on-site gym facilities (where available).
• Community and Social Perks: Join the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) or the Civil Service Club in London, providing access to a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities (membership fees apply).
• On-Site Amenities: Many of our locations offer free parking, subsidised canteens, sports and social clubs, and on-site shops for your convenience.
• Inclusive Workplace: Join one of our Diversity and Inclusion Networks. We value diversity and are committed to creating an equal and supportive environment for all.

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 5th October 2025

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.