Finance Apprentice

Job Overview

This post is fixed term for 3 years (training post). Are you looking for an alternative to university but with the same long-term prospects? If you are interested in a career in finance and accountancy then our Apprenticeship Programme may be the next step for you. An apprenticeship is a chance for you to develop your career by working with experienced people, gaining qualifications and being paid at the same time.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self‑motivated individual to join Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's Finance team as a Finance Apprentice. We will give you training, support and guidance to develop your potential.

The three-year fixed term Apprenticeship Programme offers professional training with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) from level 2 through to level 4. As a training post, it is dependent upon successful completion of each stage of AAT. You'll work within the Finance Department to gain experience and confidence, build a portfolio of evidence for apprenticeship accreditation, participate in appropriate training opportunities and understand the role.

You will receive development support including performance discussions and feedback on a regular basis to make sure that you learn and develop your financial management skills on the job.

Main duties of the job

• A Technical Certificate (AAT), covering underpinning knowledge.
• Key hard skills, such as literacy and numeracy.
• Key soft skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence.
• Undertaking core operational finance duties.

You should be able to work to tight deadlines, have good communication skills and be able to demonstrate drive and commitment to consistently achieving high standards.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

The base of the role will be discussed at interview and will be flexible, based on the successful candidate’s location.

Working for our organisation

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales is the largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000 across North Wales. Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the “Disability Confident Employer” scheme.

Person specification

Qualifications and/or Knowledge

Essential criteria

• A Level in a relevant area or equivalent level of experience
• Educated to GCSE level, including a GCSE in Maths and English at grade A-C
• Willingness to work towards AAT Level 3 qualification within agreed timescale

Desirable criteria

• Willingness to work towards AAT Level 4

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of solving financial calculations and reconciliations
• Experience of using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Desirable criteria

• Experience of financial accounting in a large organisation, including the use of financial ledger systems such as Oracle

Aptitude and abilities

Essential criteria

• Excellent written and oral communication and numeracy skills. Ability to communicate sensitively
• Expertise in the use of keyboard skills, spreadsheets, databases and financial ledgers
• Ability to work accurately with appropriate attention to detail
• Ability to use own initiative
• Excellent verbal and written skills

Desirable criteria

• Ability to understand and explain complex financial issues to a non-financial audience clearly and persuasively
• Ability to speak Welsh

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Full understanding of accounting theories and processes including bookkeeping, accruals and prepayments

Personal qualities

• High self‑motivation
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to relate to staff at all levels
• Team player
• Flexible, adaptable, receptive and open to new ideas and to embracing change
• Committed to electronic working
• Enthusiastic. Self‑motivated and customer‑focused approach
• Calm under pressure
• Openness to feedback, and willingness to provide feedback to colleagues
• Confident and self‑aware