At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations and gain hands-on experience in accounting.
- Company: Join West Yorkshire Police's Finance and Commercial Services Directorate.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with career growth in public sector finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on frontline policing while studying for an AAT qualification.
- Qualifications: Strong numeracy skills and a commitment to learning.
The predicted salary is between 25242 - 32613 € per year.
Job Summary
Salary: £25,242 to £32,613 per annum
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Location: Wakefield
Looking for a senior finance role where you can make a real impact on frontline policing? West Yorkshire Police is offering an exciting opportunity to join our Finance and Commercial Services Directorate as an Apprentice Accounting Technician. This role provides a structured pathway to develop your career while studying towards a professional AAT qualification. You’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience within our Statutory Accounting team, supporting the delivery of high‑quality financial services that underpin critical policing operations. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with strong numerical ability, a willingness to learn, and an interest in pursuing a career in finance.
Role and Responsibilities
- Support the preparation of the Chief Constable’s annual Statement of Accounts and associated disclosures in line with statutory requirements
- Assist with the daily maintenance of the Police bank account, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with financial regulations
- Help to record and code income and expenditure transactions within the financial ledger
- Support the production of monthly bank reconciliations to ensure financial records align with bank statements
- Assist with processing payments, including foreign and urgent transactions, within agreed timescales
- Manage queries through the Statutory Accounting mailbox, ensuring timely and professional responses
- Support reconciliation of receipts accounts across Districts and Departments
- Assist in the preparation of working papers and evidence for external audit review
- Provide financial support and guidance to internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures
Throughout the role, you will learn and develop your technical skills while contributing to the delivery of accurate and reliable financial information.
Training and Development
- You will be supported to undertake the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification, gaining both practical experience and professional knowledge.
- Structured on‑job training
- Study support for AAT qualification
- Mentoring from experienced finance professionals
- Exposure to public sector finance and statutory accounting
Essential Criteria
- A good standard of numeracy and literacy
- A willingness and commitment to undertake an AAT qualification
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Basic knowledge and ability to use spreadsheets (e.g. Excel)
- A proactive approach to learning and development
- The ability to organise your workload and meet deadlines
You will also be willing to work flexibly where required to support key financial processes.
Benefits / What We Offer
- Generous annual leave allowance - 29 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after five years of service (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements to help you manage your professional and personal commitments
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, a secure Defined Benefit CARE pension scheme
- Membership options for the Police Treatment Centre and The Police Children’s Charity (eligibility‑dependent)
- Access to savings, discounts and cashback rewards through staff schemes, including eligibility to purchase a Blue Light Card
- Option to sign up to our Cycle to work scheme (eligibility‑dependent)
- Access to a wide range of internal wellbeing services and support programmes
- Opportunities for career development and training
- Supportive HR policies, including maternity, paternity and other family‑friendly provisions
- A meaningful career with a clear sense of purpose supporting policing services that protect communities
- Opportunities to join staff networks, wellbeing groups, and sports clubs
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a member of the Fair Work Charter.
How to Apply
Join us in supporting effective financial decision‑making across West Yorkshire Police. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your expertise in a role with real purpose and impact.
Closing date: Friday 29th May
The successful candidate will be subject to personal and financial vetting checks prior to appointment. Interviews will take place before the end of June 2026.
For more information about the role, please contact mark.raynor@westyorkshire.police.uk.
The post is suitable for job share. West Yorkshire Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last five years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.
YF663 - Apprentice Accounting Technician **External** in Wakefield employer: West Yorkshire Police
West Yorkshire Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As an Apprentice Accounting Technician in Wakefield, you will benefit from structured training towards your AAT qualification, generous annual leave, flexible working options, and access to various internal support programmes, all while contributing to meaningful financial services that enhance community safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land YF663 - Apprentice Accounting Technician **External** in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance sector, especially those who work at West Yorkshire Police. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of statutory accounting and financial regulations. Show us you’re keen and ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of the job!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. You’ll need to manage queries and support internal stakeholders, so being clear and confident in your responses is key. Role-play with a friend if you can!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at West Yorkshire Police.
We think you need these skills to ace YF663 - Apprentice Accounting Technician **External** in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Apprentice Accounting Technician. We want to see your passion for finance and how you can contribute to our team!
Show Off Your Numeracy Skills:Since this role requires strong numerical ability, don’t shy away from showcasing any relevant experience or coursework. We love seeing candidates who are confident with numbers and eager to learn more!
Be Professional in Your Communication:When responding to queries or writing your application, keep it professional yet friendly. We appreciate clear communication, so make sure your written skills shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Police
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your numerical skills before the interview. Since this role involves a lot of financial tasks, being able to demonstrate your comfort with numbers will show that you're ready for the challenge.
✨Research the Role
Take some time to understand what an Apprentice Accounting Technician does, especially in the context of West Yorkshire Police. Familiarise yourself with statutory accounting and the importance of accurate financial reporting in policing.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the training process for the AAT qualification or how the finance team supports frontline policing. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
Emphasise your eagerness to learn and develop your skills. Mention any relevant experiences where you've taken the initiative to improve your knowledge, especially in finance or accounting. This will resonate well with their focus on training and development.
