Finance Apprentice

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 328 000 - 523 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Newcastle is offering a Finance Apprenticeship that combines work and study. Apprentices will gain real-world experience in credit control while working towards a financial qualification. The opportunity includes hands-on learning within the finance team, focused on student billing and debt recovery. Ideal candidates are motivated individuals interested in finance, with good communication skills and attention to detail. Competitive salary structure based on age is provided.

Benefits

Earn while you learn

Professional training support

Real-world finance experience

Responsibilities

• Successfully complete the apprenticeship gaining the professional qualification.
• Assist with finance tasks such as billing and debt recovery.
• Produce reports from the financial system and conduct reconciliations.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Good problem-solving skills

Excellent numeracy and literacy skills

Excellent IT skills with knowledge of Excel

Attention to detail

Education

Minimum grade B GCSE in English Language and Mathematics

Job description

Finance Apprentice Newcastle University – Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Salary per annum:

14811 if aged under 18
19302 if 18 to 20
23568 if 21 or over

Closing Date: 04 January 2026

The Role

Kickstart Your Career in Credit Control Get Paid to Learn!

Ready to take your first step into the world of credit control in our dedicated Tuition Feeds Credit Control Team and get paid while you do it? We’ve got an amazing opportunity for you to launch your career through our Finance Apprenticeship Scheme at Newcastle University!

Here’s the deal:

Earn while you learn

• Gain real-world finance experience
• Work towards your CICM Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist qualification
• Get expert support from professionals who have been there and done it

Over 3 to 4 years you’ll mix hands‑on experience within our dedicated Credit Control team with high‑quality training from our external CICM training provider. You’ll learn how to manage customer accounts, handle queries, support debt recovery processes and help keep the University’s finances running smoothly.

By the end you’ll have the skills, confidence and professional qualification to become a high‑performing credit control specialist all while building your career and your bank balance.

We’re looking for motivated, curious and committed people who want more than just a job. If you enjoy working with people, solving problems and keeping things organised, this could be the perfect place to start your career.

Supporting the Finance team in the provision of tuition fees credit control, providing a high‑quality service to internal and external customers with a particular focus on student billing, debt collection processes and customer account management.

Build knowledge and experience of working within a large finance team and undertake professional study as an apprentice working towards completion of an approved finance qualification (e.g. AAT Level 2 Finance Apprentice with progression to AAT Level 3 Assistant Accountant or CICM Level 2 Credit Controller with progression to Level 3 Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist). Qualification is dependent upon placement.

Key Accountabilities

• Successfully complete the apprenticeship including gaining the relevant professional qualification.
• Assist with carrying out a range of finance tasks such as:
  • undertaking student billing and tuition fees credit control activities including monitoring outstanding balances, issuing reminders and supporting debt recovery processes
  • producing reports from the University’s financial system
  • conducting ledger and bank account reconciliations
  • entering accounting adjustments
  • testing systems and validating master data
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and apprenticeship mentor.
• Interact effectively with students, customers, suppliers and staff of the University.
• Undertake any other appropriate duties as required.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to demonstrate good problem‑solving skills
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills
• Excellent IT skills with a good knowledge of Excel
• Able to pay close attention to detail and complete activities on time

Attributes and Behaviour

• Takes responsibility for own learning and development
• Eager to undertake professional study and work towards an apprenticeship qualification
• Able to work well independently and as part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable
• Able to organise self and workload effectively and be willing to seek help when required

Qualifications

• A minimum of grade B GCSE (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics

Key Skills

• Anti Money Laundering
• Healthcare Attorney
• Desktop Support
• Data Entry Operation
• Home Care
• Adobe Photoshop

Additional Information

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Vacancy: 1

Requisition ID: 28851

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity, celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, believing that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.