Graduate Apprentice Accountant in Selkirk

Salary: In line with the Real Living Wage (currently £13.45 per hour)

Location: Selkirk, Scottish Borders

Contract: Fixed term for 5 years of apprenticeship, with the prospect of a permanent position upon completion

Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Closing Date: 18 August 2026

Interview: 27 August 2026

The Role

You will be employed full time by SBHA while studying one day per week with Edinburgh Napier University (mostly online with some attendance required in person) towards a degree programme in Accountancy. Over the five-year apprenticeship, the postholder will gain broad, practical finance experience within SBHA’s Finance Department while working towards becoming fully qualified with ACCA and completing a Masters in Accountancy from Edinburgh Napier University. SBHA may continue your employment upon successful completion of your apprenticeship; this will be dependent on the requirements of the department.

The successful candidate must be able to register with Napier University in person by 25 September 2026, at the latest.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of accurate and timely financial information, including management accounts, budget monitoring reports and financial analysis.
• Assist with transaction processing, reconciliations, journals and month-end routines.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Assist with purchase ledger, sales ledger, rent accounting, treasury, payroll-related finance processes and other core finance activities as required.
• Support budget holders by helping to provide clear financial information and responding to routine queries.
• Assist with year-end work, audit preparation and the provision of information to internal and external auditors.
• Develop knowledge of financial controls, governance, regulatory requirements and best practice within a social housing environment.
• Use finance systems, spreadsheets and reporting tools to process, analyse and present financial information.
• Participate in process improvement activity, including helping to streamline finance procedures and improve the quality of reporting.
• Maintain accurate records and handle financial information confidentially and professionally.
• Take responsibility for completing university coursework, ACCA-related requirements and work-based learning evidence within agreed timescales.

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Must meet the standard entry requirements for the ACCA Course at Napier University.
• Good numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to ask questions and seek support when needed.
• Accuracy and attention to detail when working with financial information.
• Ability to organise workload, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and build constructive working relationships.
• Willingness to develop strong spreadsheet and finance system skills.

Desirable

• Previous work experience, volunteering or study related to finance, business, customer service or administration.
• Awareness of the role of finance in supporting good decision-making and strong organisational governance.
• Awareness of Social Housing and Scottish Borders Housing Association.
• Good IT skills, able to use Word, Excel and Email.

To meet Edinburgh Napier's Standard Entry Requirements you must have EITHER:

• a minimum of two SQA Highers at Grade B (or equivalent) AND a minimum of two SQA Highers at Grade C (or equivalent) including Grade C in Maths and English OR we may recognise your prior learning.
• A Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6-7 in a related discipline, such as Business Administration or Accountancy.
• HNC with C in the graded unit in a related discipline.
• Sufficient recognition of prior learning (RPL) through industry-related experience, qualifications, and informal learning. RPL applications are considered on an individual basis.

Being part of the SBHA team, you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, stability of employment and a good pension scheme.

Scottish Borders Housing Association is not a licensed sponsor under the appropriate UK Government regulations and as such, does not invite applications from, nor engage in sponsoring, overseas applicants who do not already have the right to live and/or work in the UK. The Association will not engage in any enquiries or enter into negotiations from individuals or Agents in this regard.