At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting and analysis while developing your finance skills.
- Company: Join Daimler Truck UK Ltd, a leader in sustainable transportation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working and a focus on your personal growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance with a globally recognised brand.
- Qualifications: Studying towards a Level 7 Accounting qualification and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Us
At Daimler Truck UK Ltd, we are responsible for the Sales and Marketing of Daimler Truck products across the UK, including Mercedes‑Benz Trucks—a brand globally recognised for quality, reliability, and innovation. Our vehicles support a wide range of industries, from logistics and retail to construction and long‑haul transportation, providing customers with efficient, safe and driver‑focused solutions. Mercedes‑Benz trucks are engineered to deliver outstanding performance, advanced safety systems and exceptional driver comfort, helping businesses operate reliably and efficiently every day. We are firmly committed to leading the future of sustainable transportation, with a strong focus on fuel efficiency, emissions reduction and enhanced safety across our product portfolio.
About The Role
The Finance and Controlling Apprentice supports the delivery of accurate financial accounting and effective business controlling while developing the skills expected of a degree‑level finance professional. The role is split broadly 50/50 between accounting and controlling activities, including transactional finance support, reconciliations, journals, and month‑end tasks, alongside management reporting, variance analysis, and performance monitoring. The role builds a strong foundation in financial control, commercial awareness, and data analysis, with responsibility increasing over time in line with the apprenticeship programme.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Controlling: Permanent Tasks
- Support financial reporting through preparation of revenue, volume, and margin reporting outputs
- Perform data validation and checks from SAP to Reports to ensure accuracy of financial information
- Complete reconciliations across revenue, orders, invoicing, and stock
- Support month‑end close activities including preparation of accruals, provisions, and balance sheet reconciliations
- Assist with dealer payments and credit note calculations, ensuring accurate financial treatment
- Maintain key financial data files (pricing, discounts, campaigns) to support accurate reporting
- Support preparation of weekly and monthly performance reporting
- Ad hoc and Analytical Support
- Provide ad hoc support through data analysis, variance investigation, and preparation of supporting information for business decisions
- Assist with campaign, pricing, and incentive scheme reviews through data validation and reconciliation
- Support approval processes (e.g. Power of disposal forms) through data gathering and preparation of supporting documentation
- Contribute to reporting packs, presentations, and ongoing process improvement activities
- Accounting: Permanent Tasks
- Reporting, including preparation and submission of reporting such as ONS and payment practices reporting. Responsible for any follow‑up queries and resolutions required.
- Assistance on clearing and reconciling suspense accounts in relation to AR, AP and GL, and for producing balance sheet reconciliations in relation to these accounts
- Assisting on supporting management and the wider business with queries relating to Accounting, being a key contact and support to the wider business
- Responsible for ensuring that all balance sheet accounts have been reconciled and producing a summary of all balance sheet accounts for the month end
- Assisting with key balance sheet reconciliations and account clearings, working with our shared service partners Accenture
- Ad hoc Support
- Provide additional support to the AR, AP and GL functions during staff absences
Qualifications
You will be studying towards, or eligible to begin, a Level 7 Accounting qualification (such as a graduate apprenticeship under CIMA or ACCA), supported by a degree in Economics, Business, Mathematics, or a related discipline, alongside a minimum of Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English. You will bring a sound understanding of financial principles, accounting concepts and broader business operations, with an appreciation of governance, controls and the importance of compliance within a finance environment. You will have strong capabilities in Excel and Microsoft Office, with the potential to develop these to an advanced level, and demonstrate excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced setting. With a naturally analytical mindset and keen attention to detail, you will be confident in problem‑solving and applying rules, including constructively challenging where there may be non‑compliance. You are a clear and professional communicator, able to build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. Whether through education, work experience or placements, you will have gained some exposure to finance, accounting or business environments. Above all, you will be proactive, self‑motivated and eager to learn, demonstrating curiosity, a continuous improvement mindset, and a strong customer‑first approach, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including dealers, customers and suppliers.
What We’ll Give You
Alongside the opportunity to work for a great business that is passionate about everything we do, we offer a competitive salary and a discretionary bonus structure. You’ll be able to join our pension scheme, and you’ll also receive a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays, free on‑site parking, and hybrid working based out of our Head Office in Willen, Milton Keynes. We’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, with access to colleague wellbeing resources including our Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders. You’ll also have access to a range of voluntary benefits that you can choose from to suit your lifestyle. We’re invested in your growth too, providing the training and knowledge you need to reach your potential, along with regular reviews to support your apprenticeship progress.
Graduate Apprentice - Finance and Controlling in Milton Keynes employer: Daimler Truck UK
At Daimler Truck UK Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and innovation. As a Graduate Apprentice in Finance and Controlling, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, and a commitment to your professional development through structured training and regular reviews. Located in Willen, Milton Keynes, our supportive environment prioritises employee wellbeing and provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to the future of sustainable transportation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Apprentice - Finance and Controlling in Milton Keynes
✨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 Daimler Truck UK 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 Daimler Truck UK, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Apprentice - Finance and Controlling in Milton Keynes
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 Daimler Truck UK 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 Daimler Truck UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Daimler Truck UK
✨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 Daimler Truck UK, 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.