Finance Apprentice in Harlow

Date Posted: 2026-05-05

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Harlow, Essex

Position Role Type: Hybrid

Duration: Full time 3 year FTC Apprenticeship

Hours: 37hrs per week

Training/Study Included: Opportunity to complete CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) study plus on-the-job training

Application Close Date: Thur 16th April 5pm

Interview & Assessment Date: Successful candidates must be available to visit the Harlow Office for an assessment centre anticipated for week commencing 27th April (date tbc)

Start Date: Early September 2026

A Levels Required: 3 x A Levels achieved/predicted in any subject grades A to B

About the role:

Raytheon UK is seeking a motivated and ambitious Finance Trainee to join our dynamic Finance team. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to study toward the CIMA qualification while gaining hands-on Finance experience within a leading global defence and aerospace organisation. As a Finance Trainee, you’ll gain knowledge of key areas of the Finance function—such as Financial Reporting, Management Accounting, Project Accounting, Commercial Finance, and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)—developing a broad understanding of how Finance supports strategic decision making and operational excellence at Raytheon.

This role is ideal for individuals looking to kickstart their career in Finance, build a strong technical foundation, and work in a supportive environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Skills and Experience:

• A strong interest in Finance and a desire to pursue the CIMA qualification.
• Minimum of 3 A Levels (any subject) grades A-B (or equivalent) or completion of a Level 3 Finance qualification.
• GCSE or equivalent in: Basic Maths (grade 9/A* - 4/C) & Standard English (grade 9/A* - 4/C)
• Strong numerical and analytical abilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work to deadlines.
• A proactive, curious mindset and willingness to take on new challenges.

Desirable Attributes:

• Previous work experience in an office or Finance environment (not essential).
• An interest in the defence, aerospace, or technology sectors.
• Evidence of teamwork, leadership, or project involvement (school, work, or extra-curricular).

What We Offer:

• Fully funded CIMA qualification and dedicated study time.
• A structured apprenticeship programme with rotational placements.
• Mentoring and support from experienced Finance professionals.
• Competitive salary and employee benefits.
• Opportunities to develop within a global organisation committed to innovation and professional development.

Future Career Path:

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and CIMA studies, you will be well-positioned for roles such as:

• Assistant Management Accountant
• Project Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Commercial Finance Analyst
• Finance Business Partner

Responsibilities:

• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts, including journals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Assist with project accounting activities such as cost tracking, budgeting, forecasting, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Contribute to the preparation of internal and external financial reports with attention to accuracy and compliance.
• Work with Commercial Finance teams to support bids, pricing activities, and financial modelling.
• Support the FP&A team with planning cycles, data analysis, and performance reporting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop an understanding of business operations and how Finance adds value.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation and support audit requirements.
• Use financial systems (e.g., SAP, Excel, BI tools) to analyse data and support decision-making.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and demonstrate accountability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
• Attend and complete all CIMA training sessions, exams, and apprenticeship milestones.

What You Will Learn:

During the role, you will gain exposure to:

• Management Accounting – cost control, budgeting, performance analysis.
• Financial Accounting – statutory reporting, balance sheet management.
• Project Accounting – cost management, revenue recognition, forecasting.
• Commercial Finance – pricing, bids, contract analysis.
• FP&A – planning cycles, investment appraisal, strategic modelling.
• Compliance & Governance – audit, risk management, policies, internal controls.
• Systems & Tools – SAP, Excel (intermediate to advanced), reporting platforms.

You will build strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills while working closely with experienced Finance professionals.

Benefits and Work Culture:

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries.
• 25 days holiday + statutory public holidays, plus opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days (37hr)
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
• Company bonus scheme (discretionary).
• 6 times salary ‘Life Assurance’ with pension.
• Flexible Benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice schemes, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work amongst others.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave.

Work Culture:

• 37hr working week, although hours may vary depending on role, job requirement or site-specific arrangements.
• Early 1.30pm finish Friday, start your weekend early!
• A grown-up flexible working culture that is output, not time spent at desk, focused.
• More formal flexible working arrangements can also be requested and assessed subject to the role.
• Up to 5 paid days volunteering each year.

RTX Raytheon UK is a landed company and part of the wider RTX organisation. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USA, but with over 180,000 employees globally across every continent, RTX provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide and comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.

Supporting over 35,000 jobs across 13 UK sites, RTX is helping to drive prosperity. Each year our work contributes over £2.7bn to the UK economy and offers a wealth of opportunities to 4,000 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We’re investing in all corners of the country, supporting 29,040 jobs in England, 3,040 in Northern Ireland, 1,900 in Scotland and 1,600 in Wales.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.