At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations and gain hands-on experience in accountancy.
- Company: Join Derby City Council, dedicated to serving the community.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life balance, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a supportive team while studying for your AAT Level 3 qualification.
- Qualifications: Good organisational skills, GCSEs in Maths and English, and a passion for finance.
The predicted salary is between 17719 - 19719 £ per year.
Salary: Apprentice Grade £17,719 a year
Location: The Council House
Hours: 37 hours a week
Closing Date: 01 April 2026
Contract Type: Fixed Term for 2 years
We are looking for a highly organised and detail-focused Accountancy Apprentice to join our Accountancy – Service Support team, who are responsible for supporting numerous services across the Council. This role offers a great chance for career growth, allowing you to work towards the AAT Level 3 Accounting qualification while gaining practical experience in a supportive environment.
You will be part of a finance team involved in supporting financial operations, by carrying out various accountancy and administration tasks, including inputting journals, interrogating financial systems, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with month-end and year-end accounting procedures. You will be well-supported throughout your accountancy apprenticeship and gain valuable experience in public sector accounting, contributing to efficient financial processes while progressing in your professional qualification. The Accountancy Apprentice position is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and advance within the organisation.
The Opportunity
In the role of Accountancy Apprentice, here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact:
- Update financial reports and maintain both manual and digital filing systems.
- Assist with the reconciliation of revenue and balance sheet accounts.
- Input data into financial systems and run reports to support colleagues and budget managers.
- Contribute to year-end accounting processes.
- Manage your own workload while supporting the financial team with various ad hoc administrative tasks.
- Gain exposure to a range of accounting activities, including budgeting and forecasting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process journals to accurately record financial transactions in compliance with accounting standards.
- Check financial transactions to ensure they are recorded correctly and investigate any discrepancies.
- Perform reconciliations, such as matching accounts and resolving discrepancies between records.
- Ensure that all financial transactions align with relevant accounts and ledgers.
About You
To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have:
- Good organisational and numeracy skills
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Attention to detail
- Use of packages including Microsoft Office Excel and Word
- GCSEs grade C/4 or above including Maths and English or equivalent
- Able to demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm and self-motivation
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Ability to prioritise and work to challenging deadlines
Who We Are
Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first-class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities.
What We Offer
You too could be part of something brilliant by becoming a colleague at Derby City Council; in addition to making a difference to the lives of people across the city, you’ll also receive:
- Flexible work/life balance scheme (depending on your role)
- Hybrid working (depending on your role)
- Modern office environment (depending on your job location)
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
- Employee Assistance Programmes & Support
- Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network
- Support for colleagues who are carers
Next Steps
If you would like to apply for this vacancy, please submit an application.
Accountancy Apprentice in Derby employer: Derby City Council
Derby City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive environment for aspiring professionals. As an Accountancy Apprentice, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, access to continued professional development, and a modern office setting, all while contributing to vital public services in the heart of the Midlands. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your community while advancing your career in accountancy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountancy Apprentice in Derby
✨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 Derby City Council 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 Derby City Council, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Accountancy Apprentice in Derby
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 Derby City Council 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 Derby City Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨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 Derby City Council, 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.
