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- Tasks: Join our Finance team, processing invoices and preparing sales while studying for a recognised qualification.
- Company: East Suffolk Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with generous holidays, flexible hours, and great discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience and a fully funded apprenticeship.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths; no experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 16341 - 24521 £ per year.
East Suffolk Council, Melton (IP12 1RT) or Lowestoft (NR33 OEQ) (depending on candidate preference)
Year 1 - £16,341 per annum; Year 2 - £24,521 per annum (NLW)
37 hours per week
21-month training contract
Start date - 14th September 2026
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people's lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We have an established and successful apprenticeship scheme, which has seen over 80% of apprentices stay on beyond their apprenticeships to develop promising careers with the Council.
If you are looking for an exciting opportunity where you can earn money as well as gaining experience and a recognised qualification, then look no further! A fantastic opportunity has arisen for two enthusiastic apprentices to join East Suffolk Council's Finance team as a Finance Apprentice. This opportunity will give you the chance to work within our Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams dealing with day-to-day financial transactions whilst studying for an accredited Finance qualification.
Your role
Your time will be spent working within either the Accounts Payable Team, processing invoices, checking for VAT compliance and dealing with queries from Council Service areas or within our Accounts Receivables team preparing sales invoices and monitoring mailboxes. These positions will rotate to ensure you get experience of both the Accounts Payables and Accounts Receivables teams which will help to support your studying. You will also learn how to use the Council's financial system, a key skill that can be applied in many roles going forwards.
This role will enable you to study AAT Level 2 providing a basic understanding in essential accounting entries such as double-entry bookkeeping and basic costing. This is a widely recognised qualification, and along with experience working within our Finance Team will provide an excellent basis for your future career.
You will need
You will need to have excellent written and verbal communication skills and IT skills and a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4-9 (or equivalent) including English and Maths (for entry onto the AAT course). No previous experience is required as full training will be provided.
Why work for us
East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. Here are some of the main benefits:
- A fully funded and supported Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship.
- Generous holiday entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays).
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local government pension scheme.
- The opportunity to meet and work alongside other apprentices in the organisation.
- Great training and development opportunities to add to your CV.
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
Closing date: 11:30pm on 8th June 2026
Interview date: w/c 29th June 2026 and w/c 6th July 2026
Finance Apprentice in Lowestoft employer: East Suffolk Council
Contact Detail:
East Suffolk Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprentice in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research East Suffolk Council and understand their values and services. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to finance and customer service. We can even help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former apprentices at East Suffolk Council on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about landing this Finance Apprentice role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprentice in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Finance Apprentice role. We want to see your enthusiasm for finance and how you can contribute to our team!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and well-structured. We love seeing candidates who can express themselves effectively, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your GCSEs, especially in English and Maths! We’re looking for candidates who meet the entry requirements for the AAT course, so make sure this info stands out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Suffolk Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on basic finance concepts and terminology. Since this role involves working with invoices and financial transactions, being familiar with terms like VAT compliance and double-entry bookkeeping will show your enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As you'll be dealing with queries from various Council service areas, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in the past, whether in school projects or part-time jobs, to demonstrate your verbal and written skills.
✨Research East Suffolk Council
Familiarise yourself with East Suffolk Council's mission and values. Understanding their role in the community and the services they provide will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the apprenticeship and the Finance team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Questions about training opportunities or team dynamics can be great conversation starters.