At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in finance while working with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Durham University at the vibrant Boldon House hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy 39 days of leave, health support, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with a structured apprenticeship and formal qualifications.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs including English and Maths; a passion for finance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
The Role and Department
The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub.
Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me.
Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working.
To find out more, visit the project webpage: Boldon House - Durham University.
Our Finance Service
Supports the University in delivering its strategic objectives.
Works in partnership with Academic Departments, Colleges and other Professional Services to deliver and monitor the annual financial plan.
Provides regular and timely reporting of the University's financial position and performance.
Ensures that the University's Financial Regulations are fit for purpose and that the organisation adheres to them.
Safeguards and optimises assets and controls liabilities.
Processes financial transactions in a timely, accurately and professional manner.
Role Purpose
To gain knowledge, understanding and experience across all financial teams; Transactional Finance - processing of financial transactions, accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management; Management & Capital Accounting - month end processing and control, maintenance of financial systems and capital management; Financial Planning and Analysis - production of forecasts, production of reports, financial accounting.
This is a Finance development as an advanced apprentice.
The successful candidate will, in addition to having an interest in the financial operations of the University, have the ability and potential to develop and understand basic principle and processes within finance.
The post-holder will undertake a three-year development programme, leading to formal qualifications and gain experience of a fully functional finance service.
Formal qualifications will require day release to a local college to complete 2 levels of AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians).
The qualifications will form part of a development plan, created in conjunction with the successful candidate and taking into account their individual needs.
This plan will be regularly reviewed and form the basis of the continual assessment.
It is anticipated that the development process will take three years to complete, however it may be extended if the University considers it necessary.
The post holder will work within the Finance Team.
It is a requirement for this role that the University is satisfied that you meet the apprentice eligibility criteria for the qualification you would be undertaking as part of the role.
Including right to work, residency eligibility, visa duration, previous qualifications conditions and completion viability.
This will be applicable for any apprenticeship funding eligibility.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. Working at Durham.
Benefits
- You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days.
The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.
We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.
- What you need to demonstrate when you apply
- To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:
- Excellent communication skills, willing to speak to others, in person or by email/Teams & by phone
- Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
- Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience)
- Experience of working in a team.
- Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
- Experience of working in a customer-focused service.
- Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately, demonstrating great attention to detail.
- Have excellent attendance & time keeping.
- Have a can‑do attitude and passion.
- Be driven and ambitious.
- Have the willingness to undertake an AAT qualification (or equivalent)
- Be able to balance working and completing assigned college work
- Residency eligibility - The apprentice must have the legal right to work in England.
The apprentice must meet the residency requirements detailed in Annex A of the Funding Rules for Apprenticeships.
This includes (but is not limited to): being ordinarily resident in the UK (or specified territories) for at least three years immediately before the apprenticeship begins, unless a specific exemption applies.
Exemptions may apply to individuals with; refugee status or humanitarian protection, permission under the Ukraine or Afghan schemes, stateless status, certain family member rights, pre‑settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
More information can be found on: Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan guidance, 2025 to 2026 - GOV.
Desirable Criteria: Experience of effectively using a range of software applications, including Oracle Fusion.
Typical Role Requirements
Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.
- Service Delivery • Contribute input within a service team to provide a responsive service for stakeholders.
- Service Delivery • Be aware of any hazards and risks and report any incidents.
- Service Delivery • Log and record routine information and data for use by others.
- Service Delivery • Pass on information for use by others.
- Service Delivery • Use standard office-based devices and applications such as Microsoft 365 and Oracle Fusion to deliver services.
- Teamwork • Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
- Teamwork • Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.
- Teamwork • Contribute to team effort with more straightforward tasks during peak workflows.
- Teamwork • Help colleagues organise office equipment and resources.
- Teamwork • Learn new skills and techniques on the job working alongside more experienced team members.
- Teamwork • Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
- Communication/Personal • Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
- Communication/Personal • Respond to routine requests for information.
- Communication/Personal • Follow guidelines and protocols to determine what to pass on and to whom where necessary.
- Communication/Personal • Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with the wider university.
- Communication/Personal • Any other reasonable duties.
- Who to contact for more information
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Carol Bainbridge would be happy to speak to you. c. m. bainbridge@durham. ac. uk
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data.
We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor.
Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible.
Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
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Finance Advanced Apprentice in North East employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful research that shapes understanding of diverse cultures. Located in a historic city, the university provides a unique setting for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Advanced Apprentice in North East
✨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 Durham University 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 Durham University, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Advanced Apprentice in North East
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 Durham University 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 Durham University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨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 Durham University, 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.
