At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance team with analysis, reporting, and business partnering activities.
- Company: Join Bauer Media Group, a leading media business with a consumer-first mindset.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, flexible working, and access to internal training.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience and a Level 3 AAT qualification.
- Qualifications: No previous finance experience needed; just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Are you curious about how businesses make decisions, manage costs and plan for the future? Do you enjoy working with numbers, asking questions and getting to the reason behind the data? If so, our Commercial Finance Apprenticeship could be a brilliant opportunity to start your career in finance. We are looking for two Commercial Finance Apprentices — one based in London and one based in Manchester. Candidates can apply for either location.
Please note the interview process will be an Assessment Centre that will take place the last week of July or the first week of August. This is a hybrid role with 2–3 days in the office per week. This apprenticeship is designed for people at the start of their finance career. Our finance apprenticeship roles are for those who do not hold a degree or a previous financial qualification.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will also study towards gaining a Level 3 AAT qualification, giving you both practical experience and a recognised qualification to support your future career.
What you’ll be doing
- As a Commercial Finance Apprentice, you’ll support the finance team with analysis, reporting and day‑to‑day business partnering activity.
- You’ll learn how financial information is used to help teams understand performance, manage costs and make informed decisions.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing financial analysis, regular reports and ad‑hoc updates to support business partners and local offices.
- Supporting monthly forecasting activity, including headcount and salary cost forecasts.
- Reviewing payroll reports, spend trackers and actuals vs. forecasts to identify key variances.
- Exploring the reasons behind variances and understanding how they may impact the rest of the year.
- Helping colleagues across the business with finance questions, purchasing queries and supplier queries.
- Building confidence in using finance systems, reports and data to support decision‑making.
What we’re looking for
- You don’t need previous finance experience, a degree or a financial qualification to apply. What matters most is your attitude, curiosity and willingness to learn.
- We’re looking for someone who is:
- Proactive, curious and willing to ask questions to understand the work and solve problems.
- Confident communicating with others, including picking up the phone and engaging with the business.
- Able to build strong working relationships across different teams.
- Comfortable working with numbers and keen to develop strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Detail‑focused, organised and able to manage deadlines.
- Flexible and adaptable when priorities or business needs change.
Minimum entry requirements are BBB at A level (or an equivalent qualification).
What you’ll gain
This apprenticeship will give you hands‑on experience in a commercial finance team, helping you build practical finance, reporting and business partnering skills. You’ll also study towards a Level 3 AAT qualification, supporting you to develop the knowledge, confidence and credentials to begin building your career in finance.
Recruitment process
Our recruitment process will include: Application Closing Date: Sunday 19th July.
About Bauer Media Group
We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offering extends from print and online publishing to audio broadcasting and entertainment, alongside investments in other media related sectors. With more than 500 million copies sold each year, we are one of Europe’s largest publishers.
From women’s and celebrities’ magazines to TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of the most popular publishing brands in Germany, UK, Poland and France – both digital and print. But not only that. Reaching over 61 million listeners weekly, we operate over 150 radio and podcast brands in nine countries, spanning the UK, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Portugal.
Family‑owned in the 5th generation, Bauer Media focuses on the long‑term, with a consumer‑first mindset that guides us across our diverse portfolio. Our workforce of 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people’s everyday lives.
What’s in it for you
You’ll have 28 days holiday, bank holidays & 2 volunteer days to use. Your development matters, so access to our internal training provider – Bauer Academy, is a huge win. We have enhanced Maternity/Adoption, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave Pay. You’ll have the opportunity for flexible working. And much more!
We are an international employer and equal opportunities are important to us. That’s why we welcome everyone in their uniqueness, regardless of e.g. religion, gender, skin colour, disability in our house. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or a long‑term health condition, and need us to make any reasonable adjustments or do anything differently during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing.
We are actively recruiting for this position, so the job advert may close earlier than expected.
Finance Apprentice in Manchester employer: Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG
Bauer Media Group offers an exciting opportunity for a Multimedia Reporter in the vibrant city of Bristol, where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides access to professional development and flexible working arrangements, fostering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and engagement. Join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering impactful journalism and be part of a company that champions local stories and community connection.
Contact Details:
Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprentice in Manchester
✨Get Involved with Campus Recruitment Events
Apprenticeships in banking and financial services often come through campus recruitment days. Keep an eye out for events hosted by your university or local banks, as these can be golden opportunities for us to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a great first impression.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Banking. These memberships can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities, plus, they often have dedicated sections for apprenticeships and early-career roles that can point us in the right direction.
✨Follow the Right Companies on Social Media
Banks and financial services firms love to share their stories on social media! Follow companies like Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG to keep up with their latest apprenticeship opportunities and insider news. Engaging with their posts could give us an edge when it comes to the application.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
Your university's career service is a treasure trove of information for apprenticeships in banking. They often have connections to employers like Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprentice in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Maths Skills:In the banking and financial services sector, being good with numbers is a must! Make sure to highlight any relevant maths qualifications or experience in your application, as well as any projects or coursework that demonstrate your analytical skills.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an apprenticeship, companies like Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, chat about why you’re interested in banking and any specific areas you’re excited to explore. Show them that you’re ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
Highlight Relevant Experience (Even If It's Limited):Whether it's a part-time job, volunteer experience, or even a school project, mention any relevant experience related to banking or finance. This could include customer service roles or any projects where you handled budgeting. We’re all about showing how you can apply your skills, even if they’re from unconventional backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of duties. Tailor it to reflect skills that appeal to financial services, like attention to detail and communication skills. Don’t forget to keep it clear and concise, showing how you’re a perfect fit for the apprenticeship at Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG
✨Brush Up on Financial Principles
Since you're diving into the banking and financial sector with an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with key concepts like interest rates, investment strategies, and basic financial accounting. Make sure you can share your understanding of these principles during the interview, as they'll likely pop up in practical scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In the world of banking, interviewers love to throw real-world scenarios at you. Prepare for questions that ask how you'd handle customer inquiries or solve financial challenges. Practising these types of situational responses can really showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities, both of which are essential in this field.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, what's going to set you apart is your motivation to learn and grow in the role. Be sure to express your excitement about entering the banking world and highlight any steps you've already taken to educate yourself, whether through courses, workshops, or relevant hobbies.
✨Prepare Your Questions About Company Culture
When interviewing with Bauer Media Group Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG, don’t shy away from asking about their company culture and training programmes for apprentices. This shows that you're not only focused on the role but also interested in how you'll fit within the team, which is a major factor for your future success in the apprenticeship.
