Finance Controller Apprentice
Finance Controller Apprentice

Finance Controller Apprentice

Apprenticeship 800 - 980 £ / month (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in finance, accounting, and reporting while tackling meaningful projects.
  • Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference to millions while building a sustainable career.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus 3 A Levels or equivalent.
  • Other info: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 800 - 980 £ per month.

Start your Finance career with Thames Water. Join Thames Water as a Financial Controller Apprentice and gain hands-on experience working with skilled finance professionals. You’ll learn the ins and outs of accounting, reporting, and financial management, tackling meaningful projects.

What you’ll be doing as a Financial Controller Apprentice:

  • Improve developer services by streamlining systems and processes.
  • Ensure accurate financial recording, reconciliation, and timely period-end close.
  • Provide clear insights on results and key cost drivers.
  • Prepare audit-ready financial information and support year-end.
  • Enhance finance processes for efficiency and consistency.
  • Support regulatory returns and monitor reporting requirements.
  • Deliver ad-hoc analysis to boost cost visibility and business cases.

Where you will work:

Location: Clearwater Court, Reading, RG1 8DB
Hours: 36 hours a week across four working days plus one off-the-job training day
Start date: September 2026

Training and qualification:

You’ll study with First Intuition, one of the UK’s leading finance training providers, through classroom and online learning, face-to-face and live online development days, with support from a dedicated skills coach and access to an online learning platform throughout your programme.

Qualification achieved: Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Standard Level 3 or Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship Standard & AAT level 4
Duration: Permanent contract with an 18-month structured programme

What you should bring to the role:

  • GCSE English and Maths (grade 9-4 / A-C)
  • 3 A Levels (or predicted) in relevant subjects
  • To be eligible for the Level 4 apprenticeship they need to have completed level 3 AAT or equivalent. If you do not hold the level 3 you will need to start at level 3
  • Good communication and time management skills
  • Able to work well in a team and independently

What’s in it for you?

  • Excellent salary: £22,500 annum
  • Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
  • Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
  • Generous Pension Scheme through AON
  • Access to benefits to help you with health, wellbeing, and finances – including annual health MOTs, access to physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

Finance Controller Apprentice employer: Pertemps

Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring finance professionals to kickstart their careers as Financial Controller Apprentices. Located in Reading, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth, alongside competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health and wellbeing. With a commitment to sustainability and community impact, working at Thames Water means being part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of millions while enjoying a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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Contact Detail:

Pertemps Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Controller Apprentice

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Thames Water on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Thames Water’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making a difference with us in the water industry.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice common interview questions related to finance and teamwork. We want to see how you think on your feet, so try mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.

✨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 Thames Water family.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller Apprentice

Accounting
Financial Reporting
Financial Management
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Time Management
Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Regulatory Compliance
Process Improvement
Audit Preparation
Cost Analysis
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Finance Controller Apprentice. We want to see your passion for finance and how you can contribute to our team!

Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your communication and time management skills. These are key in our fast-paced environment, so give us examples of how you've used them in past experiences.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Remember, clarity is key!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Finance Controller Apprentice, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on key accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you would handle financial recording and reconciliation. Familiarise yourself with common financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to Thames Water.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Thames Water is looking for someone who can streamline systems and processes. Prepare examples of how you've improved efficiency in past roles or projects. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you tackled them, especially in team settings.

✨Communicate Clearly

Good communication is essential in finance. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would provide clear insights on results and cost drivers, as this will demonstrate your ability to convey important information effectively.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your analytical skills and decision-making. For instance, you might be asked how you would prepare audit-ready financial information or support regulatory returns. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, showcasing your critical thinking and attention to detail.

Finance Controller Apprentice
Pertemps

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