Apprentice Professional Finance/Audit Practitioner

Apprentice Professional Finance/Audit Practitioner

Apprenticeship No working from home possible
Dr Jobs

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as an Apprentice in Finance/Audit, gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills.
  • Company: Birmingham City Council is dedicated to shaping future leaders in public finance.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, health support, and discounts on over 800 brands.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; we support your growth every step of the way.
  • Why this job: This apprenticeship offers a clear path to becoming a Chartered Public Finance Accountant.
  • Qualifications: No prior knowledge needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
DescriptionApprentice Professional Finance/Audit PractitionerFixed Term for 4 yearsGrade. Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review.Working 36.5 hours per weekAim of the ProgrammeBirmingham City Council is looking to help shape the future leaders of public finance by recruiting people who are ready to grow and adapt with the changing needs of our Local communities.This is not just about gaining a finance qualificationit is about helping you grow into a confident and capable leader.Our 4-year Apprenticeship programme is both exciting and supportive giving you the tools and experience to build a meaningful career in public service:Achieve a Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeshipwith CIPFA to become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant.Gain a breadth of work experience both finance and non-finance through a structured programme of work placements.Receive expert guidance and mentoring throughout the programme.Discover an excellent benefits package that improves as your training progresses.Realise long-term career opportunities at Birmingham City Council when your programme ends.We welcome enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are ready to learn grow and make a real difference in our community.What is the ProgrammeProfessional studiesAs part of our apprenticeship programme you will attend face to face workshop session and complete online classes to study for the CIPFA Professional Qualification. We will:Cover the cost of your training exams and student membership feesBirmingham City Council supports a generous amount of study time to assist in your development with 20% of your working time allocated to off the job learning. This time will cover day release to attend workshops study days and attendance at examinations.Your day-to-day work programme is designed to help you build an impressive CIPFA Portfolio. We willPay the End Point Assessment submission feeOffer you the opportunity to gain sufficiently diverse work experience andProvide support to allow you to develop your project report.We recognise that professional qualifications can be challenging. We will:Support you throughout your studies including with your preparations for exams.If you need to resit an exam we will cover the cost of one resit per stage in the CIPFA qualification (Certificate Diploma and Final Stage).Starting in December 2025 you will undertake the Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship rotating between a number of our teams giving you the chance to gain invaluable experience. A breadth of work experience designed to inspireIn your four years with us you will gain invaluable finance and wider leadership experience through a programme of rotational work placements of varying lengths each. The placements cover the eight Statement of Expertise areas in the CIPFA Portfolio:Financial and performance reporting including producing our annual accounts statutory returns to central government and VAT;Strategic and operational financial management including budget setting and monitoring;Audit and accountability including the opportunity for a placement with Internal Audit and working closely with external audit;Partnership and stakeholder relations;Change risk and project management;Procurement and contract management;Governance ethics and values; andLeadership and strategic management including supervising staff typically in year 4.This programme gives you a solid grounding in both financial and management accounting along with hands-on experience across our core services. With a wide range of placements and learning opportunities youll gain a clear understanding of your strengths interests and the career path thats right for you.You will start as an apprentice with little or no prior knowledge of local authorities or Finance and become a qualified CIPFA accountant within 4 years at which point youll be expected to progress to a Senior Business Analyst (subject to KPIs being achieved).Long-term career opportunities at Birmingham City CouncilThe apprenticeship programme concludes when you become a full member of CIPFA and achieve Chartered Public Finance Accountant statustypically within 3 to 3.5 years and you have completed and passed the End Point Assessment. As you approach the end of the programme well work with you to explore permanent opportunities within Birmingham City Council subject to your performance and career goals.Were proud that many of our senior leaders began their journey as apprentices and were committed to helping you build a long rewarding career here. If you choose to apply for internal roles before the programme ends well support a smooth and successful transition into your next chapter.Benefits of working at Birmingham City Council30 days annual leave Increases to 33 days after 5 years and 35 days after 10 years plus option to purchase additional leaveAccess to voluntary benefits providers that support health wellbeing and making the most of your leisure timeFamily friendly policies e.g. maternity/adoption paternity shared parental leave carers leaveHealth and wellbeing support networkse.g. independent and confidential employee assistance and counselling occupational health etc.Employee communities and support groupsincluding Corporate Black Workers Support Group Disability and LGBT Networks Menopause Support Forum etc.We are a disability confident employerMembership of job-related pension scheme West Midlands Pension Fund or Teachers Pensions with generous employer contributionsAccess to My Rewards over 800 individual brands providing discounts and savingsincluding high street stores supermarkets utility and insurance providers as well as great days out to name but a few!Opportunities to join greatsalary sacrifice schemese.g. Cycle to Work Annual Travel and Car Parking as well as making the most of Tax and National Insurance savings (additional schemes to launch soon)For any informal enquires please contact:Please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached.Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer andwe arecommitted to employing retaining and developing all of our people.We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments additional support accessibility needs or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.We are dedicated to supporting internal mobility and the development of our people. As such applications from internal employees and those under S118 will be given priority and reviewed before external applications are considered.We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities and flexible working options will be considered.Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance withUK Home Office requirements before any employment offer can be confirmed.Job Description and PersonSpecificationWe strive to advertise all roles for a minimum of two weeks. However due to high application volumes vacancies may close earlier than the stated deadline. We encourage you to submit your application without delay to ensure consideration.Required Experience:Unclear Seniority Key Skills Healthcare Attorney,Apache Tomcat,Commerce,Cost Estimation,Arabic Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 34434 - 37280

Apprentice Professional Finance/Audit Practitioner employer: Dr Jobs

Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of public finance leaders through a comprehensive 4-year apprenticeship programme. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from extensive training, mentoring, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and well-being. The council offers a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, health support networks, and opportunities for career progression within a dynamic local authority setting.

Dr Jobs

Contact Details:

Dr Jobs Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🀫

We think this is how you could land Apprentice Professional Finance/Audit Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Research Birmingham City Council's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to public service will help you align your motivations with theirs during interviews, showcasing your enthusiasm for making a difference in the community.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former apprentices at Birmingham City Council. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the selection process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for potential interview questions by practising responses that highlight your adaptability and eagerness to learn. The role requires growth and development, so demonstrating your willingness to embrace challenges will be key.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the CIPFA qualification requirements. Showing that you understand the qualifications you'll be working towards can demonstrate your commitment to the role and your long-term career aspirations in finance.

We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Professional Finance/Audit Practitioner

Financial Reporting
Budget Management
Audit Principles
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the apprenticeship role. Focus on any finance-related coursework, projects, or work experience that demonstrates your interest in public finance.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the Birmingham City Council. Explain why you want to pursue a career in public finance and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals.

Highlight Your Learning Mindset:Since this is an apprenticeship, emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt. Share examples of how you've successfully learned new skills or adapted to challenges in the past.

Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dr Jobs

✨Research Birmingham City Council

Before your interview, take some time to learn about Birmingham City Council's values, mission, and recent projects. This will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.

✨Prepare for Competency Questions

Expect questions that assess your competencies related to finance and leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills and adaptability.

✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning

As an apprentice, your willingness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you approach learning new concepts and skills, and share examples of times when you've successfully adapted to new challenges or environments.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about the apprenticeship programme, opportunities for growth, or the team dynamics. It shows your engagement and eagerness to be part of the organisation.