At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team and rotate through key areas while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Be part of South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Supportive culture with mentoring, training, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real-world impact and professional development opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, including Maths and English; 3 A Levels (or equivalent).
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.
Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
As a Finance Apprentice on a full-time contract, you'll have the opportunity to work within key areas of the Finance function as part of a series of 6-month rotational posts alongside existing apprentices. The areas you'll rotate through are:
- 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 our planned future spending
- Business Performance & Insight - Responsible for monitoring expenditure within our business functions
- Transactional Services - consisting of:
- 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
Within our apprenticeship programme, you will train alongside skilled professionals, taking on their expertise to apply in your own career whilst also achieving nationally recognised qualifications.
Who you are...
Are you looking to start a career with significant opportunity for long-term development? We're looking for apprentices who want to understand how a business works, who enjoy analytical problem-solving, and who care about making thoughtful, evidence-based recommendations.
You might be a great match if you:
- 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
- Good general IT skills, including Microsoft Office
- Methodical and consistent approach to work
- Good problem-solving skills
- Enthusiasm and desire to learn new skills
- Eager to study and develop, both personally and professionally
What's in it for you...
- 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
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of 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).
Closing Date: 1st June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Finance Apprenticeship in Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values safety, integrity, and innovation. Our Finance Apprenticeship in Exeter provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards nationally recognised qualifications, all within a company committed to environmental sustainability and community support. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a strong focus on employee development, you'll find a rewarding career path that allows you to make a meaningful impact in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprenticeship in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research South West Water and Pennon Group. Understand their values, goals, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for common interview questions. Think about how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Finance Apprentice. Practising your answers will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprenticeship in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for finance and the role shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with us at South West Water.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Apprentice role. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that match what we're looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take the first step in your finance career with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge before the interview. Understand basic financial concepts and be ready to discuss how they apply to real-world scenarios, especially in relation to water services and environmental impact.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your eagerness to learn by asking insightful questions about the finance apprenticeship programme. Inquire about the rotational posts and how they contribute to the overall goals of South West Water.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully tackled a problem or made a thoughtful recommendation. This will showcase your analytical mindset, which is crucial for a finance role.
✨Embrace Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's core values: safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and customer care. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they align with your personal ethos.
