At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Walsall Council's Finance Service as an Assistant Accountant Apprentice and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Walsall Council, dedicated to supporting local communities through finance.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive wage, holiday pay, and professional training.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities await after the apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with real impact in local government services.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or above, plus AAT Level 2 qualification.
The predicted salary is between 8 - 13 £ per hour.
We are excited to offer a number of opportunities for motivated individuals to join Walsall Council's Finance Service as an Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprentice and begin building a rewarding career in local government finance. Walsall Council's Finance Service supports vital services that make a difference to local people every day. Our teams work across a wide range of areas including financial planning, budgeting, business partnering, treasury management, and financial reporting.
These opportunities have arisen because of the successful progression of our previous apprentices and trainees into higher-level finance roles and professional qualifications, demonstrating the strong career development opportunities available within the Finance Service. The apprenticeship is a fixed-term position for up to 18 months and is based on 37 hours per week. Your time will be split between workplace learning and apprenticeship training delivered by the training provider.
As an apprentice you will:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- study towards a related qualification
What We're Looking For:
Attitude
- Enthusiastic and motivated.
- Willing to learn and develop new skills.
- Reliable and committed to completing the apprenticeship programme within the timescales.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team.
Skills
- Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Good numerical and analytical skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Good organisation and attention to detail.
Commitment: Demonstrate an interest in building a long-term career within local government finance.
Qualifications
- You must have achieved GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
- AAT Level 2 qualification (or equivalent accounting qualification).
Applicants must have achieved all required qualifications at the point of application. Evidence of qualifications will be required prior to interview if shortlisted. Successful completion of this apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee progression to a higher-level apprenticeship or permanent position.
Eligibility
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon confirmation that apprenticeship funding and eligibility criteria are met, and that the applicant is accepted onto the programme by the training provider. Apprenticeship funding rules may restrict eligibility for applicants who already hold qualifications at the same level or higher in accounting, finance or a closely related subject. Eligibility will be assessed in line with current Government funding rules and training provider requirements.
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.
The closing date for applications is 6th September 2026. Interviews will be split into 2 stages for shortlisted applicants:
- Stage 1 - will consist of a virtual pre-screening interview conducted via Microsoft Teams, will take place week commencing 21st September 2026 (likely Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd). If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend Stage 2.
- Stage 2 – will be a face to face interview within the Civic Centre. This stage will consist of a short test followed by an interview. These interviews will be held week commencing 30th September 2026 (likely Wednesday 30th & Thursday 1st Oct).
Please note that, once confirmed, interview dates will be fixed and we will be unable to rearrange them. Previous apprenticeship vacancies have attracted significant interest and may close early if a high volume of applications is received. Early application is therefore encouraged.
For more information please contact Rowena Hawkins at Rowena.Hawkins@walsall.gov.uk.
Information for applicants
Applications are invited using our online application form only. If you have a disability and require information on submitting an application in another format then please contact us via email: recruitment@walsall.gov.uk.
Important note: as you progress through the online application form you will be asked to upload a supporting statement. DO NOT UPLOAD YOUR CV. You should upload a statement detailing how your aptitudes meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. CVs will not be accepted. All correspondence will be via email, therefore candidates should check their email and WMJobs account on a regular basis after submitting an application.
Finance Apprentice - Ref: RT01026 in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
As a School Organisation Officer, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for children. Our organisation values professional development, offering numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a meaningful role where your contributions directly impact the lives of families and children in the area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Apprentice - Ref: RT01026 in Walsall
✨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 Walsall Council 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 Walsall Council, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Apprentice - Ref: RT01026 in Walsall
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 Walsall Council 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 Walsall Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨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 Walsall Council, 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.
