Accountancy Apprenticeship

Are you a motivated individual looking to kick-start your Finance career? We are offering a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Accountancy (AAT), with a clear progression path to Level 4 for successful candidates. We also welcome applications from those already holding a Level 3 qualification who wish to progress to Level 4.

Do you have attention to detail?

Do you have a natural ability to work with figures?

Do you want to make a real difference within a friendly and supportive team?

The Defra Accountancy Apprenticeship programme offers an exciting opportunity for you to gain practical experience in financial management within the UK government. This apprenticeship provides a unique combination of on-the-job training, professional development, and the chance to contribute to critical public services.

At Defra, we will support and invest in you to help you progress and achieve your career goals. You will have the opportunity to secure a permanent role within Defra and subsequently move up the career ladder gain the full professional qualification.

This is a exciting opportunity to earn as you learn and get hands on practice while you study towards a Finance Apprenticeship. The initial appointment is for the Level 3 apprenticeship with a non-competitive progression to Level 4, subject to successful completion of Level 3 and meeting performance standards.

Youll receive formal learning to develop crucial skills, knowledge and behaviours for your career and will also be a key member of a great team. As an apprentice with us, we will assign you to a role within the Specialist Financial Operations Team where youll work in a supporting role and gain an understanding of how our Finance Profession operates. You will grow your skills and experience through working with more experienced Finance Professionals and through the support of other people in the same profession.

We will match you to a role that is most suited to you and your skill set and will support you with your learning and self-development throughout the apprenticeship and beyond.

We will be running a Q&A drop-in session via MS Teams where you will have the opportunity to meet some of the Defra Finance Team, find out more about the apprenticeships, and ask any questions that you have about the roles. If you would like to attend, please click on one of the following links to join the session:

Click here to attend Thursday 4 June 14:00 - 15:00

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to supporting with the following:

• Financial Analysis: Conducting financial analysis, budget management, and financial forecasting to support Defra in making informed financial decisions.
• Reporting: Preparing financial reports and documentation, ensuring compliance with government regulations and financial standards.
• Accounting: Assisting in maintaining financial records and accounting systems, including the preparation of statements and balance sheets.
• Problem Solving: Working with experienced professionals to address financial challenges and provide creative solutions.
• Continuous Learning: Participating in training and development programs to enhance your financial knowledge and professional skills.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to support the delivery of government services and projects.
• Compliance: Ensuring adherence to government financial policies and regulations, promoting transparency and accountability.

Your apprenticeship will be guided by your dedicated line manager, who will support your development by regularly reviewing your progress in performance meetings, in line with our probation policy and established procedures. Your potential for continued employment is closely linked to the successful completion of your apprenticeship. This apprenticeship provides a well-structured learning experience, where you will have the opportunity to achieve professional qualifications in finance or accountancy upon successfully concluding the programme.

Due to the nature of these apprenticeship roles, while we advertise the roles as part time, we will require a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week.

Theres a lot to learn and do, so you need to be ready to be proactive, work hard and participate in the many opportunities youll be given to showcase your skills. You dont have to have a background in finance we want people with the ability and enthusiasm to learn and grow throughout the apprenticeship.

We are looking for someone with the following skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook. You will also be using SharePoint while in post.
• An eager learner: Possess a proactive and genuine enthusiasm for finance and a thirst for knowledge, actively seeking opportunities to enhance your skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence to interact with and question stakeholders.
• A flair for customer service.
• Highly self-motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Consistently maintaining positive customer and team engagement.
• Willingness to travel when required.

You dont need to have a degree to apply, although those with degrees are still welcome. To be eligible for the apprenticeship you are required to hold the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Hold a valid UK passport/birth certificate or residence permit.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK.
• Must have lived in the UK and/or EEA for 3 years prior to apprenticeship start date.
• Not be in full-time education or be undertaking another apprenticeship by the apprenticeship start date.
• You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level in a similar subject. we reserve the right to withdraw applications who are deemed ineligible due to existing qualifications.
• You must hold 5 x GCSEs at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, including in Maths and English.