Advanced Apprentice - Financial Services (Payables & Capital) in Worcester

This post is an ideal opportunity to learn about the financial services side of Finance within the NHS whilst offering individuals the chance to earn a salary, gain valuable work experience and new skills whilst at the same time being supported to achieve their AAT Level 3 qualification.

Wage: £15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices.

Hours: Full-time, flexible working. Exact shifts TBC. 37 hours 30 minutes a week.

Duration: 1 year 5 months.

What you'll do at work:

• The post holder will assist with the day-to-day operations of the Oracle Purchase to Pay (P2P) system ensuring that the Trust provides a high quality, effective and efficient service to ensure all suppliers are paid promptly in accordance with the Standard Financial Instructions (SFIs) and Scheme of Delegation (SoD).
• They will assist with the resolution of queries from Budget holders and Managers or suppliers regarding status of invoices within the P2P system.
• The post holder will review Non-Purchase Order (Non-PO) supplier invoices received via the computerised system (Oracle) and seek approval from the Budget Holder or Managers.
• This will also include a review of the appropriate process to ensure the supplier invoice is accurate and should be a Non-PO invoice as per the SFIs.
• Investigate and resolve any discrepancies including complex calculations and checks to ensure over and underpayments are minimised.
• The post holder will provide and receive information from staff, customers/suppliers and be able to communicate effectively, with sensitivity where there are issues with non-payment of the supplier invoices.
• The post holder will follow the appropriate SFIs, regulations and internal finance procedures and be able to communicate complex financial issues as required.
• The post holder will review Purchase Order (PO) reports and using appropriate judgement and analysis of the data and details, investigate and resolve to ensure the supplier invoices are received, matched and paid.
• The post holder will follow standard finance procedures and policies to assist with the approval of Non-PO and PO notifications whilst ensuring the Trust adheres to the legislation for Better Payment Practice Policy (BPPC).
• The post holder will monitor the returns report for reoccurring issues and liaise directly with those suppliers whilst promoting the Trust policy of No PO No Pay and encouraging suppliers to move to Tradeshift.
• The post holder will be responsible for inputting receipting data for goods received into a computerised system (Trust Purchase Ordering system).
• They will also be responsible for setting up and amending suppliers in the computerised systems ensuring all of the appropriate checks have been made.
• The post holder will liaise with SBS Accounts Payable Team and actively participate in monthly calls with Client Manager as required and suggest changes to working practices and policies as well as implementing agreed changes to policies and procedures.
• The post holder will process payment requests for course fees, patients travel and other urgent payments on a daily basis using the Oracle P2P System and following the policies and procedures in place, recording the payments in the GL or within financial spreadsheets.
• The post holder will assist in maintaining and reviewing the Goods Received Not Invoiced (GRNI) report, ensuring that purchase orders are closed following an analysis and investigation of the variance whilst confirming the supplier goods have been received.
• The post holder will perform Supplier Statement reviews ensuring that they reconcile to the GL and resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner and deciding how to pursue any under or overpayments.

Where you'll work: Charles Hastings Way, King Court, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 1DD.

Training: Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills. Training provider: HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED.

Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries. Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes. Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts. Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts. Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations. Investigate, resolve or elevate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders. Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand. Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications. Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data. Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.

Formal training is delivered at HWGTA, located McKenzie Way, Worcester, WR4 9GN. You will receive a training plan that is specific to your qualification, with sessions that are delivered through a combination of face-to-face and remote. Additional training for functional skills in English and maths will be undertaken if needed. You will receive monthly visits from your assigned Learning and Development Specialist, who will set you work, monitor your development and wellbeing, and discuss training sessions. They will also prepare you for your End Point Assessment to gain your Assistant Accountant Level 3 qualification.

There is also a five-day teambuilding residential trip that is held in the spring of each year offered to all apprentices on programme.

Requirements:

• GCSE in any subject (grade A*-C/ 4-9).
• Maths (grade A*-C/ 4-9).
• Level 2 Apprenticeship or NVQ Level 2 - AAT (grade Pass).
• Business (grade A-B).

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Other requirements: Any applicants who are offered posts requiring a DBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check (at the current rate) deducted from their salary.

About this employer: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond. Progression can be discussed upon successful completion of apprenticeship.

The contact for this apprenticeship is: HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED.