Apprentice Accountant

Description:

FINANCE & PAYROLL APPRENTICE
Job Description and Person Specification

Job title: Finance & Payroll Apprentice
Reports to: Finance & Operations Director
Location: Unit 6 Sovereign Gate, 308-314 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BL
Role type: Permanent

The Role
To maximise the company’s revenue and ensure profitability through:
• Provision of general administrative and transactional support to the work of the Finance transaction Team, processing timesheets, invoices, payments, and receivables related business transactions.
• Provide 1st line advice on timesheets, invoices, payments and receipts queries and processes.
• Contribute to the delivery of the team’s agreed objectives.
• Participate in relevant projects that support the delivery of the company’s goals.
• Undertake all responsibilities with due regards to the company’s values.
• Support the work of colleagues in the Finance Team as necessary.
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.

Job Summary
As part of the Finance transaction team provide and deliver administrative and transactional processing support activities in a timely and accurate manner; whilst maintaining a clear audit trail. The role must also deliver a good working relationship with internal and external customers and suppliers.

Training to be Provided
Level 2 Finance/Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship Standard. You will complete a 15-month apprenticeship which includes 1 day per week at the PETA training centre in Cosham. You will be supported every 6 weeks with visits from your PETA Learning & Development Coach.

Responsibilities & Duties
• Assist with the processing of accurate and sensitive financial information, including timesheet receipt, validation, and input to payroll system.
• Working to both provide and obtain financial information and process this accordingly, specifically critical payroll information.
• Be aware of and provide advice to employees/clients on transactions relating to the inputs processed by the Finance team, including for debtor collection.
• Respond to business queries in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist in the timely presentation and submission of internal and external financial management information reports as required.
• Maintain backup documents in agreed electronic filing systems and the Finance network drives.
• Keep financial and non-financial information and records up to date.
• Establish own priorities and organise own workload ensuring that activities are completed to specification and tight deadlines.
• Develop knowledge and contribute to any accounting processing issues.
• Act as an effective team member helping others as requested.

Qualifications & Skills
• GCSEs in Maths and English grade C/4 minimum with a strong track record of obtaining other recognised qualifications is preferred.
• Previous administrative experience and knowledge of office systems and procedures, ideally gained in a finance environment.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
• Experience of working within a team environment, ability to work as part of a team and to support others.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other MS O365 products including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the web browsers.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal with clients and colleagues with courtesy, tact, and sensitivity.
• A demonstrable commitment to customer care.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines, and a concern for order and accuracy.
• Flexible approach to work, with a keenness to adapt to meet changing work requirements.
• Experience using SAGE 200 and SAGE 50 for payroll an advantage.
• A self-starter with a positive attitude.

Benefits:
• Great working environment
• Fortnightly on-site massages
• Dress down Friday
• Paid regular team nights out
• Free snacks in the office
• A gift for every work anniversary
• Long service awards including 5 extra holiday days after your second year
• Paid parking
• Extra day off for your birthday and at Christmas

Values
Teamwork - Work in partnership, be inclusive and collaborative.
Commercial - Understand the market and what makes us successful.
Decisions - Make choices for the benefit of the business.
Communication - Actively listen and build professional relationships.
Integrity - Care for others, be respected, admired and reliable.
Results - Go above and beyond to improve our business.