At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into finance with hands-on experience in auditing, financial control, and business performance.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and comprehensive benefits while you learn.
- Other info: Structured apprenticeship with mentoring, professional development, and support for finance accreditation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential services while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, plus 3 A Levels (or equivalent) with minimum grades of BBB.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 25900 € per year.
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future by lowering our carbon footprint and planting trees, restoring peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Our finance teams provide insight, analysis and governance to help Norfolk operate effectively today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. If you are analytical, curious, numerate and motivated to understand how financial decisions shape real-world outcomes, you’ll thrive here.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Internal Audit – ensuring we’re doing things in the right way, every time.
- Financial Control – producing the company’s financial results and monthly statements.
- Capital Finance – managing the governance and reporting of planned future spending.
- Business Performance & Insight – responsible for monitoring expenditure within our business functions.
- Transactional Services – Payables – ensuring invoices are processed and payments made in a timely and accurate fashion.
- Sales Ledger – raising invoices and allocating income appropriately.
- Procure to Pay (P2P) – ensuring business rules are followed and financial control is appropriate.
- Learn & Develop – training alongside skilled professionals, achieving nationally recognised qualifications and receiving support from management.
Who You Are
Are you looking to start a career with significant opportunity for long-term development? We’re looking for apprentices who enjoy analytical problem-solving, care about making thoughtful, evidence-based recommendations and bring a proactive attitude to learning.
You Might Be a Great Match If You
- Have 5 GCSEs at grade 6 / grade B or above, including Maths and English (essential), and 3 A Levels (or equivalent) with minimum grades of BBB.
- Have good general IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Have a methodical and consistent approach to work.
- Have good problem-solving skills.
- Have enthusiasm and a desire to learn new skills.
- Are eager to study and develop, both personally and professionally.
Benefits
- A structured apprentice programme that builds core finance and commercial skills.
- Mentoring and support, including a dedicated buddy and access to experienced finance leaders.
- Competitive salary with further increases as you progress through the programme.
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- A discretionary bonus scheme.
- Competitive contributory pension.
- Company Sharesave scheme.
- Health benefits.
- Wellbeing support programmes.
- Group discounts via Pennon Perks.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Financial support services.
Work with meaning, supporting essential public services, environmental protection, and long-term regional value. A culture shaped by values: safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation and customer care. Support toward professional finance accreditation (AAT levels 2-4).
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Finance Apprenticeship in Exeter employer: Pennon Group Plc
South West Water is an exceptional employer, offering a Finance Apprenticeship in the picturesque city of Exeter. With a strong commitment to employee development, our structured apprenticeship programme provides invaluable training alongside experienced professionals, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health support and a generous holiday allowance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on public services and environmental sustainability while thriving in a culture that values safety, integrity, and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprenticeship in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Finance Apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding the company's values. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to a greener future!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on your analytical problem-solving skills and be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at South West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprenticeship in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Apprenticeship role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show off your analytical problem-solving abilities and your enthusiasm for finance. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your motivation for applying and how your values align with ours at South West Water. Don’t forget to mention your eagerness to learn and develop in the finance sector.
Show Off Your Skills:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office. If you've got any experience with financial analysis or governance, let us know! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and ready to dive into the details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group Plc
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss key concepts related to finance. Understand basic accounting principles, financial statements, and how they relate to the role. This will show your analytical skills and genuine interest in the field.
✨Research the Company
Dive into South West Water's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to sustainability and how they operate within the water sector. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training programme, opportunities for growth, or how the finance team contributes to the company's sustainability efforts. This shows your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about the role.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Highlight your analytical thinking and proactive attitude, which are key traits for a Finance Apprentice.
