Finance Apprentice

As a Finance Apprentice, you'll support a variety of finance activities across the business while gaining hands-on experience in a professional environment. Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting finance teams with day-to-day tasks and projects.
• Helping resolve timesheet and labour booking queries.
• Supporting the preparation and distribution of monthly financial reports.
• Assisting with cost, overhead and headcount reporting.
• Supporting budget planning, forecasting and reforecasting activities.
• Assisting with cost centre reviews and management reporting.
• Helping maintain accurate financial records and reconciliations.
• Supporting project finance activities, including cost transfers and project closures.
• Assisting with financial journals, accruals, prepayments and corrections.
• Supporting ad hoc finance projects and business activities as required.
• Producing reports and carrying out data analysis.
• Completing other finance-related tasks as required.

What You Will Learn

During the apprenticeship, you'll develop a strong understanding of finance processes, systems, and business operations. You will learn:

• Financial reporting and analysis
• Budgeting and forecasting processes
• Cost management and overhead reporting
• Balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls
• Cash flow forecasting and invoice management
• Using business finance systems and reporting tools
• Understanding how finance supports business performance and decision-making
• Working with stakeholders across different areas of the organisation
• Interpreting and presenting financial data to management
• Planning, organisation and problem-solving within a professional finance environment

This apprenticeship will provide a strong foundation in finance while helping you build the skills and experience needed for a successful career in the industry.

Apprenticeship Programme

As part of this apprenticeship, you will:

• Study towards a Level 2 Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship (12 months), followed by a Level 3 Assistant Accountant (15 months).
• Complete your training with The Apprentice Academy, our lead training provider.
• Learn through a virtual training programme.
• Gain knowledge and skills in everyday accounting and finance activities.
• Develop the confidence and competence to carry out finance tasks successfully.
• Achieve an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting and a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting upon successful completion.

Please note that you will need to pass the Level 2 apprenticeship before being able to progress onto the Level 3. Both programmes need to be completed for the role.

Entry Requirements

To apply, you will need:

GCSEs

• 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) to include English and Maths

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
• Performance-related pay uplifts
• Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Contributory Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Hybrid/flexible working options
• Employee assistance programme
• Learning and development support
• Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
• Life Cover
• 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)

Recruitment Process

1. Apply Online - submit your application online to register your interest.
2. Upload Your CV
3. Check your emails for the invitation to apply – this will come from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com
4. Complete Your Application – follow the link provided in the email to complete your application.
5. Complete Online Tests - undertake the online assessments designed to evaluate your suitability for the role.
6. Virtual Assessment Centre - candidates who progress from the online assessment stage will attend a virtual assessment centre, which will include group exercises, and competency-based interviews.
7. Job Offer – successful candidates who perform well throughout the recruitment process will receive a job offer from Thales.

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.

Security Requirements

Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements. To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment. To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.