At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team to support accounting entries and budget management.
- Company: Milton Keynes City Council is a modern, diverse employer dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, excellent pension, and discounts on travel and entertainment.
- Why this job: Gain valuable finance experience while studying for a professional qualification in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at Level 5 or equivalent required.
- Other info: Remote training provided; potential for permanent role after apprenticeship completion.
We have an excellent opportunity for you to start your career in Finance.
You’ll join a supportive environment where you’ll gain experience in working for a large organisation and will support the City Council whilst studying for a professional finance qualification.
We’re looking for a highly motivated individual who is an excellent communicator and keen to learn and develop in all aspects of Finance to join us as an apprentice.
You’ll be an active member of the Finance team, ensuring that accounting entries are recorded accurately, supporting budget managers and the day-to-day activities of the Finance function across Children\’s Services.
After you\’ve completed your accounting apprenticeship (including completion of Level 3 and 4 AAT) you may be offered the opportunity to progress into a permanent role, should a vacancy be available.
Please note if there are a high number of applications then the closing date will be sooner. Remote training for the AAT qualification will be provided by our training provider. AAT qualification apprenticeship entry level may depend on prior qualifications.
This is a site-based role.
Interviews for this role will be held on 4 September.
Milton Keynes City Councilis a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk
Main Responsibility
- Support the finance service in the posting of accounting entries and budget amendments.
- Assist in the budget monitoring process through the preparation of salary projections, income tracking, bank reconciliations, and tracking of high-volume data accounts.
- Support the Medium-Term Financial Plan through the preparation of working papers and budget information.
- Assist in the tracking and posting of grant income and reconciliation of control accounts.
Within reason, these key responsibilitiesmay evolve to meet service need and it is expected that you will be flexible and adaptable in your delivery to meet both service and council wide needs.
The Ideal Candidate
- 5 GCSE’s including English Language and Mathematics (at least Level 5) or equivalent.
- Be committed to providing excellent customer service.
- Possess good written and communication skills with attention to detail.
- A professional attitude with a positive ‘can do’ approach to your work.
- Inquisitive and challenging with the ability to apply innovative and creative thinking to service challenges within a fast-paced environment.
- Competent computer skills with familiarity of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- A genuine interest to work in Finance and the Public Sector.
- Be confident to build strong working relationships with a variety of colleagues within the whole city council.
- Work towards and successfully complete the appropriate levelaccountancy apprenticeship (as determined on entry) in 18 months.
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits – most roles include 28days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32days after five years.In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card – employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week.Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
- Location Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Milton Keynes City Council l Civic l 1 Saxon Gate East l Central Milton Keynes l MK9 3EJ
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Finance Apprentice employer: Milton Keynes
Contact Detail:
Milton Keynes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Research Milton Keynes City Council and its values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to community service and diversity will help you align your answers during the interview, showcasing that you share their dedication.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples of how you've demonstrated excellent customer service or teamwork in previous experiences. This will highlight your ability to work collaboratively within the finance team and support budget managers effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with basic finance concepts and tools, especially Microsoft Excel. Being able to discuss your familiarity with these tools can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for learning and development in finance. Be prepared to discuss your interest in pursuing the AAT qualification and how it aligns with your career goals, demonstrating your commitment to growth within the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the Finance Apprentice role. Emphasise your communication skills, attention to detail, and any experience you have in finance or customer service.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying. Mention your interest in finance and the public sector, and explain how your background and skills make you a suitable candidate for the apprenticeship.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your GCSEs, especially English Language and Mathematics, as these are essential for the role. If you have any additional qualifications or relevant coursework, be sure to include them.
Show Enthusiasm for Learning: In your application, express your eagerness to learn and develop within the finance field. Mention your commitment to completing the AAT qualification and how you plan to contribute to the team at Milton Keynes City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milton Keynes
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Milton Keynes City Council. Understand their values, mission, and the services they provide. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in working for them.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Think about the typical questions you might be asked during a finance apprenticeship interview. Be ready to discuss your understanding of basic accounting principles, your motivation for pursuing a career in finance, and how you handle challenges or work under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an apprentice, you'll need to communicate effectively with various colleagues. During the interview, demonstrate your communication skills by articulating your thoughts clearly and listening actively to the interviewers' questions.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Highlight your eagerness to learn and develop in the finance sector. Share examples of how you've approached learning new skills in the past and express your commitment to completing the AAT qualification and growing within the organisation.