At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with mentoring support throughout your apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with structured training and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Minimum age 18 with five GCSEs including maths; no prior finance experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 31245 - 31245 £ per year.
This apprenticeship provides an opportunity to join the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police as a Finance Officer. The OPCC office supports strategic financial policy and planning, audit, performance monitoring, governance, service commissioning, grant funding, communication, and general administrative duties.
You will provide financial administrative support, delivering accurate, timely management information and accounting information. As you progress you will undertake the AAT Level 2 Apprenticeship, receiving structured on‐the‐job development supported by workplace learning and mentoring.
Responsibilities- Undertake monthly reconciliations.
- Support month‐end and year‐end activities including postal journals.
- Provide analysis and guidance to colleagues within the OPCC.
- Deal with queries via a shared inbox.
- Minimum age 18.
- Good standard of education: at least five GCSEs grade 9‐4/A‐C, including maths, or equivalent.
- Strong communication, organisational, planning and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to work to deadlines.
- No prior finance experience or qualifications required.
- 24 days annual leave per annum (pro‐rata for part‐time), plus Bank Holidays.
- Flexible working conditions.
- Wide range of lifestyle discounts and a local government pension scheme option.
- Professional development and mentoring as part of the apprenticeship.
To apply, submit a cover letter (no more than one page) and a CV (no more than 2 pages). CVs will not be accepted if cover letter is missing or CV exceeds 2 pages. Closing date for applications: Sunday 28 June 2026.
EEO StatementThe Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is an equal opportunities employer.
VettingAll posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. Applicants must provide evidence of UK residency; residence proof may be considered on a case‐by‐case basis.
Apprentice Finance Officer (Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner - OPCC) in Welwyn Garden City employer: Thames Valley Police
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development through structured mentoring and on-the-job training. Located in Kidlington, this role provides flexible working conditions and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and lifestyle discounts, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Finance Officer (Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner - OPCC) in Welwyn Garden City
✨Get Involved with Campus Recruitment Events
Apprenticeships in banking and financial services often come through campus recruitment days. Keep an eye out for events hosted by your university or local banks, as these can be golden opportunities for us to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a great first impression.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Banking. These memberships can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities, plus, they often have dedicated sections for apprenticeships and early-career roles that can point us in the right direction.
✨Follow the Right Companies on Social Media
Banks and financial services firms love to share their stories on social media! Follow companies like Thames Valley Police to keep up with their latest apprenticeship opportunities and insider news. Engaging with their posts could give us an edge when it comes to the application.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
Your university's career service is a treasure trove of information for apprenticeships in banking. They often have connections to employers like Thames Valley Police, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Finance Officer (Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner - OPCC) in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Maths Skills:In the banking and financial services sector, being good with numbers is a must! Make sure to highlight any relevant maths qualifications or experience in your application, as well as any projects or coursework that demonstrate your analytical skills.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an apprenticeship, companies like Thames Valley Police want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, chat about why you’re interested in banking and any specific areas you’re excited to explore. Show them that you’re ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
Highlight Relevant Experience (Even If It's Limited):Whether it's a part-time job, volunteer experience, or even a school project, mention any relevant experience related to banking or finance. This could include customer service roles or any projects where you handled budgeting. We’re all about showing how you can apply your skills, even if they’re from unconventional backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of duties. Tailor it to reflect skills that appeal to financial services, like attention to detail and communication skills. Don’t forget to keep it clear and concise, showing how you’re a perfect fit for the apprenticeship at Thames Valley Police!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Police
✨Brush Up on Financial Principles
Since you're diving into the banking and financial sector with an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with key concepts like interest rates, investment strategies, and basic financial accounting. Make sure you can share your understanding of these principles during the interview, as they'll likely pop up in practical scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In the world of banking, interviewers love to throw real-world scenarios at you. Prepare for questions that ask how you'd handle customer inquiries or solve financial challenges. Practising these types of situational responses can really showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities, both of which are essential in this field.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, what's going to set you apart is your motivation to learn and grow in the role. Be sure to express your excitement about entering the banking world and highlight any steps you've already taken to educate yourself, whether through courses, workshops, or relevant hobbies.
✨Prepare Your Questions About Company Culture
When interviewing with Thames Valley Police, don’t shy away from asking about their company culture and training programmes for apprentices. This shows that you're not only focused on the role but also interested in how you'll fit within the team, which is a major factor for your future success in the apprenticeship.
