Accounting Apprentice

We have an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Accounts Assistant to join the team at 1st Technologies in Ribchester. The apprentice will sit within the Finance Team at 1st Technologies, supporting day-to-day transactional operations of the business.

Their primary focus will be purchase ledger administration, including processing supplies invoices, reconciling supplier statements, and assisting with the payment runs across the business. They will also take on credit control duties, such as chasing outstanding debtor balances, allocating incoming receipts and maintaining accurate customer account records. The role provides a solid grounding in the full accounts payable and receivable cycle within a fast-paced, multi-entity trading environment.

What You’ll Do

• An entry-level role supporting the day-to-day running of the accounts function. The Accounts Apprentice will assist with purchase ledger invoicing, accounts inbox management and credit control, while studying towards a recognised accounting qualification and building a strong foundation of finance, systems and administrative skills.
• Purchase Ledger: Accurately process supplier invoices and credit notes onto the finance system, matching to purchase orders and delivery notes where applicable. Resolve invoice queries and discrepancies with suppliers and internal stakeholders, escalating where necessary. Maintain accurate supplier records, including bank details and contact information, in line with company controls. Support supplier statement reconciliations and month-end purchase ledger close activities.
• Inbox Management: Monitor and manage the shared accounts inbox, triaging incoming emails and responding to routine queries promptly and professionally. File and save supplier invoices, statements and correspondence in line with company filing standards. Route items requiring action to the appropriate member of the finance team and follow up to ensure resolution.
• Credit Control: Assist with chasing outstanding customer payments by email and telephone in line with agreed credit terms. Allocate customer receipts to the sales ledger and assist with the production of aged debtor reports. Issue customer statements and copy invoices on request and help maintain accurate customer account information. Flag overdue accounts and potential risks to the Finance Director for review.
• General Finance Administration: Provide general administrative support to the finance team, including scanning, filing and data entry. Attend all required apprenticeship training sessions and complete study commitments to progress through the qualification. Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Finance Director to support the wider finance function.

On a day-to-day basis the apprentice will primarily interact with the finance team in person and customers over the phone and email.

Training Outcome: Permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Skills Required:

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non-judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications:

• Essential - GCSE - English - 3/L1 Functional Skills
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4/L2 Functional Skills

Course Information:

• Course: Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)
• Level: 2
• Route: Legal, finance and accounting
• Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements:

• Working Week: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00
• Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months
• Training Provider: BLACKBURN COLLEGE