At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance teams with reporting, budgeting, and compliance while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive, diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Kick-start your finance career with real impact and professional growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths, 3 A Levels, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1167 £ per month.
Ready to kick-start your future in Finance? Join Thames Water as an Accounts Technician Apprentice and gain hands‐on experience working with skilled finance professionals. You will learn the ins and outs of accounting, reporting, and financial management, tackling meaningful projects.
What you will be doing as an Accounts Technician Apprentice:
- Support the Financial Planning and Accounting team with reporting, consolidations, and communications, while learning to apply strong financial controls.
- Help prepare monthly performance reports and assist in developing KPI models.
- Get involved in budgeting, forecasting, and long‐term business planning.
- Support the Management Accounting team with core financial processes, cycle closes, and compliance checks.
- Assist in preparing information for statutory and regulatory accounts and audits.
Where you will work:
- Location: Clearwater Court, Reading (RG1 8DB)
- Hours: 36‐hour week over four working days plus one training day
- Start date: September 2026
Training and qualification:
You will 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.
- 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 lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Who are we?
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.
Working at 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 will 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.
Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.
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.
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you will have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.
Accounts Technician Level 3/4 Apprentice - Reading in London employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring finance professionals to gain hands-on experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a commitment to employee growth through structured training programmes and a focus on work-life balance, you will enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and performance-related pay. Located in Reading, you'll be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a positive impact on the community and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Technician Level 3/4 Apprentice - Reading in London
✨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 the role, but also in being part of our mission to build a better future for customers and the planet.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. Focus on how your skills align with the Accounts Technician role. We want to see your passion for finance and how you can contribute to our team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Thames Water family.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Technician Level 3/4 Apprentice - Reading in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Accounts Technician role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion for Finance:Let us know why you're excited about starting a career in finance! Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your interest and commitment to the field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounts Technician Apprentice, you'll be dealing with financial data. Brush up on basic accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you can apply them in real-world scenarios. Familiarise yourself with key financial terms and concepts that might come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves supporting teams and preparing reports, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, whether in school projects or part-time jobs. This will show you're ready to collaborate with finance professionals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like budgeting or compliance checks. Think of relevant experiences where you've tackled similar challenges, even if they were in a different context. This will help you illustrate your problem-solving abilities and readiness for the role.
✨Research Thames Water
Understanding the company’s mission and values is key. Look into Thames Water's commitment to sustainability and community support. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work there and how your values align with theirs. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as a candidate.
