At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to collect local taxes and support benefit processes while gaining valuable experience.
- Company: Join Cyngor Gwynedd, a supportive organisation focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Receive a salary, training, and the chance to develop your career in finance.
- Other info: Interviews on 15/09; apply before 29/08 to secure your spot!
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with an apprenticeship that opens doors to exciting opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 4 GCSEs at grade D or above, including maths.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
The apprentice will receive a salary in accordance with the National Minimum Wage. Make a genius decision, choose an apprenticeship in Cyngor Gwynedd. Have you considered a career in this field? To be successful in this apprenticeship, we are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is willing to learn. We are also looking for an individual who can communicate with confidence, work as part of a team, and demonstrate their potential to succeed as an apprentice. Pursuing an apprenticeship is only the beginning of the journey, as it can lead to a number of exciting career paths. So don't miss out on the opportunity – apply today!
CLOSING DATE: 12:00pm, FRIDAY 29/08/2026
Please remember to follow the guidelines in the INFORMATION PACK when completing the application form. If you are selected to be shortlisted, we will call you. Interviews will be held on 15/09. If you have any questions please email prentisiaethau@gwynedd.gov.wales.
Person Specification
- PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- ESSENTIAL
- Show the correct behaviour and attitude
- Demonstrate commitment to the work
- Working effectively as part of a team
- Communicate with confidence
- Ready to learn new things and to self-improve
- Ready to Challenge
- QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT TRAINING
- ESSENTIAL
- Qualified to at least level 2 attaining either: 4 GCSEs at grade D or above (grade C or above in maths) or Equivalent Level 2 vocational qualification (e.g. BTEC First Level 2 Diploma).
- RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- ESSENTIAL
- DESIRABLE
- SKILLS AND SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE
- ESSENTIAL
- DESIRABLE
- LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Listening and Speaking – Intermediate Level
- Be able to hold a conversation on a number of diverse topics on a daily basis, and discuss cases related to the field of work.
- Be able to follow a discussion in Welsh, in Clear Welsh, on familiar issues relating to the job.
- Be able to contribute to the conversation and answer questions.
- Reading and Comprehension – Intermediate Level
- Understand everyday correspondence on familiar issues at work.
- Understand longer reports in Clear Welsh and be able to pick up the main points. (Help with vocabulary may be required.)
- Writing - Intermediate Level
- Be able to write specific purpose letters, emails and short reports through the medium of Welsh and English using vocabulary and simple phrases familiar to the field of work. (They will need to be checked before being sent out).
Job Description
Purpose of the Post: Ensure that the people of Gwynedd are at the heart of everything we do. Receive experience and support in the workplace to complete an apprenticeship and gain qualifications in the field. The purpose of the post is to collect local taxes on the front line, support statutory letting and billing processes, assist with arrears recovery, process benefit claims and maintain revenue systems, all alongside completing a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.
Main Duties
The main purpose of the service is to collect local taxes efficiently and sensitively, process a range of benefits accurately and promptly, provide social assistance to citizens, and collaborate with external agencies to prevent fraud and recover overpayments. The Tax and Benefits Apprentice role is an opportunity for an organised individual to learn and develop administrative and financial skills while working on the frontline to support the administration and collection of local taxes and benefits for the residents of Gwynedd. The main duties of the role will be to:
- Receive training to Front Line Tax Officer level and develop knowledge of local taxes.
- Work on a frontline service to administer and collect Council Tax and Non-Taxes.
- Responding to enquiries from the public by letters, telephone, email and face to face.
- Process requests to modify accounts, exemptions, discounts and payment agreements.
- Support the arrears recovery procedure and prepare documents for the courts.
- Assist in the assessment and verification of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and education benefit applications.
- Supporting the administration of other levies and maintaining revenue and support systems.
- Follow the Council's policies on health and safety, equality, data protection and carbon reduction.
Responsibility for self-development
Ensure compliance with Health and Safety rules in the workplace in accordance with the responsibilities noted in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Council’s Health and Safety Policy. Operate within the Council’s policies in relation to equal opportunities and equality. Responsible for managing information in accordance with the Council’s information management guidelines. Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation. Commitment to reducing the Council’s carbon emissions in accordance with the Carbon Management Plan, and to encourage others to act positively towards reducing the Council’s Carbon Footprint. Undertake any other reasonable duty which corresponds to the salary level and responsibility level of the job. Responsibility to report any concern or suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused.
Special Circumstances
e.g. the need to work unsociable hours, special working arrangements etc.
Finance Apprentice employer: Gwynedd Council
As a Senior Ecologist with us, you'll join a dynamic team dedicated to environmental stewardship in the beautiful landscapes of Wales. We offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, alongside opportunities for professional development and growth. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working while making a meaningful impact on ecological projects that benefit local communities and ecosystems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprentice
✨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 Gwynedd 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 Gwynedd Council, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprentice
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 Gwynedd 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 Gwynedd Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gwynedd 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 Gwynedd 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.