Finance Apprentice

Job overview

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) is looking for two motivated and enthusiastic Finance Apprentices to join our Finance Directorate.

This is an excellent opportunity to start a professional career in finance while earning, learning and gaining practical experience within a large NHS organisation. You do not need previous NHS or finance experience; we are looking for people with good numerical skills, a positive attitude and a genuine interest in developing a career in finance or accountancy.

The successful candidates will join a structured two-year Finance Apprenticeship Programme, combining practical workplace experience with study towards an agreed Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4 finance or accounting apprenticeship, depending on qualifications, experience and apprenticeship eligibility.

During the programme, you will spend approximately 12 months within your first Finance team before completing a formal rotation into a different Finance team for your second year. You will also have opportunities to shadow colleagues and take part in learning activities across the wider Finance Directorate.

Placement opportunities include Finance Business Partnering, Financial Accounts, and Costing, Reporting and Income, giving you the opportunity to build a broad understanding of NHS finance and develop the skills needed for your future career.

The role will involve a mixture of workplace-based and hybrid working. Apprentices will be expected to work regularly from the NELFT site or service location associated with their allocated placement, alongside opportunities to work remotely where appropriate. Working arrangements and locations will vary depending on the placement, service requirements and learning needs of the apprentice. As apprentices rotate between Finance teams during the two-year programme, their usual work location and working arrangements may also change.

As a Finance Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced finance professionals and receive support, supervision and training while gradually developing greater independence.

Your main duties will include:

• Maintaining accurate financial records, working papers and supporting schedules.
• Assisting with monthly financial reporting, reconciliations, journals and data-quality checks.
• Using Microsoft Excel and NELFT finance systems to organise, analyse and present financial information.
• Supporting the investigation of routine finance queries and identifying discrepancies.
• Preparing reports, reconciliations, schedules, presentations and professional correspondence.
• Communicating with Finance colleagues, budget holders, operational managers and other stakeholders.
• Supporting financial processes in accordance with Trust procedures and financial controls.
• Organising and prioritising your workload to meet agreed deadlines.
• Participating in team meetings, development reviews and relevant projects.
• Contributing ideas to improve financial processes, reporting and customer service.
• Completing all required apprenticeship training, coursework, examinations, progress reviews and off-the-job learning.
• Participating fully in the formal Year 2 rotation and wider Finance Directorate learning and shadowing opportunities.

The Finance Apprentice will support the delivery of accurate, timely and high-quality financial services across NELFT while completing the relevant finance or accounting apprenticeship programme.

The role is designed to provide practical experience of NHS finance, accounting processes, financial systems, reporting, analysis, governance and stakeholder support.

During the two-year programme, apprentices will complete two structured Finance placements. Approximately 12 months will be spent within the first allocated team, followed by a formal rotation into a different Finance team for the second year. Initial placements and rotations will be determined according to organisational requirements, candidate strengths and development needs.

• Finance Business Partnering – supporting budgets, forecasting, management accounts, transformation and operational…