At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance team with financial administration and data management tasks.
- Company: Join Oldham Council and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, gym discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and inclusive recruitment practices available.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real impact and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Interest in finance and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20740 - 24296 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term (2.5 - 3.5 years)
Salary: £20,740 - £24,296 per annum (Apprentice Grade)
Hours: 36.66 per week
Location: Spindles Offices, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1LF
Closing Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Role Overview
Join Oldham Council to start a rewarding career in finance while making a real difference in your community. As an Apprentice Accountancy Assistant you will support our Finance team by performing a wide range of financial system administration tasks, including income management allocation, reconciliations, ledger maintenance such as journals, and handling queries from external customers and internal Council staff. The apprenticeship builds a strong foundation for future career progression within the Council, with the potential to secure permanent roles and advance within the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate computerised information systems by inputting, updating and extracting data.
- Follow set processes for setting up projects, raising purchase orders, debtor/sales invoices and journals.
- Help budget holders and requisitioners with financial system queries.
- Assist with cash and credit control matters.
- Enter and analyse information in Excel spreadsheets.
Key Requirements
- Desire to work within a business office environment and an interest in finance is desirable.
- Good level of communication skills, written and verbal.
- Strong attention to detail, working accurately, and consistently striving for excellence.
Benefits Package
- 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10 years of service.
- Option to purchase additional annual leave.
- LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, travel, and more.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24‑hour access to advice and support.
- Staff recognition and celebration events.
- Peer support groups.
Inclusive Recruitment
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, providing equipment, or making changes to the workplace. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the application. If you are an applicant with disabilities, who has previously been in or is currently in care, a carer, a service member, or has participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Data and Privacy
For details of how we use your data please see our Privacy Notice.
Important Information
Should a vacancy that has been released for recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Assistant Accountant
✨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 Oldham 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 Oldham Council, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Assistant Accountant
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 Oldham 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 Oldham Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham 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 Oldham 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.
