At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting, analysis, and planning while studying for a professional finance qualification.
- Company: Join Unum UK, a leader in employee benefits with a focus on healthy workplaces.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and develop essential finance skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real business challenges and mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; keen interest in finance and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Who are we? We’re a specialist employee benefits provider, striving to create healthy, happy workplaces. As part of the international Unum Group, we’re on a collective mission to help the working world thrive.
The role
Finance Apprenticeship – Build Your Career in Finance
Location: Dorking – At least 3 days per week
Looking to start your career in Finance? Join us as a Finance Apprentice and gain hands-on experience across Financial Reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). You'll develop technical, analytical and commercial skills while studying towards a professional finance qualification and supporting real business decisions.
Why This Role Matters
Finance helps the business understand performance, make informed decisions and plan for the future. As a Finance Apprentice, you'll gain exposure to reporting, analysis, planning and forecasting activities while working alongside experienced finance professionals and studying towards a recognised professional qualification.
What You'll Be Doing
- Support financial reporting and planning activities.
- Assist with financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting.
- Develop skills in finance systems, reporting tools and Excel.
- Work with colleagues across Finance and the wider business.
- Take ownership of tasks and deliver accurate work to deadlines.
- Help improve processes and identify efficiencies.
- Build commercial understanding of how financial performance supports business goals.
- Study towards a Level 7 Finance Apprenticeship and ACCA or CIMA qualification.
Skills You'll Develop
- Financial Reporting
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis
- Finance Systems & Excel
- Data Analysis & Insight
- Stakeholder Management
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Problem Solving
- Continuous Improvement
- Commercial Awareness
Why This Role Rocks
- Gain hands-on experience in a professional Finance function.
- Earn while you study towards an ACCA or CIMA qualification.
- Work on real business challenges and financial decisions.
- Build technical, analytical and commercial skills.
- Learn from experienced Finance professionals.
- Create strong foundations for a long-term career in Finance.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for people who are eager to learn, enjoy working with numbers and want to build a successful career in Finance.
- Analytical – You enjoy working with data, solving problems and spotting trends.
- Curious – You ask questions, seek to understand how businesses operate and are keen to learn.
- Organised – You can manage priorities, meet deadlines and maintain attention to detail.
- Collaborative – You work well with others and build positive working relationships.
- Accountable – You take ownership of your work and strive for accuracy and quality.
- Resilient – You remain focused when managing competing priorities and deadlines.
- Commercially Aware – You're interested in how financial information supports business performance and decision-making.
- Trustworthy – You handle sensitive information with integrity and always do the right thing.
- Proactive – You look for opportunities to improve, contribute ideas and continue developing your skills.
- Committed to Learning – You're motivated to complete your professional qualification and continuously develop your knowledge.
What will you bring?
We’re looking for motivated individuals who are ready to take the next step in their journey. To join this apprenticeship, you’ll need:
- 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at Grade 5/B or above.
- Currently studying and due to complete a Level 3 qualification, such as:
- A Levels (particularly Maths, Business Studies, Economics, Accounting or Further Maths)
- T Level in Accounting
- T Level in Finance
- BTEC Extended Diploma in Business, Finance or Accounting
- AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
- A genuine interest in Finance, Accounting and Business.
- Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- An interest in working towards a professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.
- Be available for full time work from October 2026 when our apprentice roles start.
- Have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for at least 3 years by the start of the apprenticeship in October 2026.
- Be eligible to work full-time in the UK for the entire duration of the apprenticeship.
Qualification & Training Provider
The Accountancy L7 apprenticeship is a hands-on and inspiring programme aligned with the ST0001 standard. It will provide you with the knowledge and foundation to grow your career in Finance.
Duration of apprenticeship: 36 Months
Training Provider: BPP Professional Education
Why join us?
At Unum, we’ve created a workplace where people feel supported to progress and grow, and can see their ambitions coming to life. As a part of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, we actively encourage applications from those with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions. If you meet the essential criteria for the role and choose to opt in to the scheme during your application, you will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to careers@unum.co.uk.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
Finance Apprentice in Dorking employer: Unum Group
At Unum, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Security Analyst in our hybrid Dorking location, you'll benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages continuous learning and innovation, while also having the opportunity to make a significant impact in safeguarding our organisation. Join us to thrive in your career and contribute to creating healthier workplaces.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprentice in Dorking
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Unum Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprentice in Dorking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Unum Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Unum Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unum Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Unum Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Unum Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Unum Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.