Finance Apprentice

Job Title: Finance Apprentice

Department: Finance

Reporting to: Purchasing Team Leader

Salary: Starting salary £14,565 for first 12 months, rising to National Minimum Wage for age (37 hours)

Annual Leave: 30 days per annum plus bank holidays

Contractual hours: 37 hours per week

Basis: Full time, Fixed Term - 21 months AAT Level 2/3/4

Pension: NEST

Location: Middlesbrough College Main Campus, TS2 1AD

We are looking for a motivated Finance Apprentice to join our busy Finance Department and provide accurate, timely and effective financial administration support across the College whilst working towards a Level 2 AAT qualification (with possible progression onto level 3 and
4). In this varied role, you will help ensure all transactional finance processes are completed to a high standard and in line with College policies, funding body requirements and relevant financial regulations. You will play an important part in maintaining strong financial controls, supporting audit and compliance activity, and contributing to the smooth and efficient operation of the Finance function.

• Assist and support the Purchasing team to accurately input and record supplier invoices, matching to purchase orders, including the correct recording of VAT.
• Process electronic purchase requests, and distribute official Purchase Orders via email to suppliers and relevant staff members, ensuring that the Goods In office are informed of pending deliveries.
• Monitor the Purchasing email inbox to sort invoices, credit notes, and statements; and respond to general Purchasing enquiries.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records within the College’s finance system.
• Support the reconciliation of control accounts, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, and other general ledger accounts.
• Identify errors or anomalies and elevate issues as appropriate.
• Contribute to the maintenance of effective segregation of duties and internal controls.
• Assist with categorising suppliers and update supplier cards with category information to aid the reporting function.
• Assist with query resolution from various sources, including but not limited to face to face, email and telephone.

• Good communication skills.
• Basic IT skills.
• Good team worker.
• Commitment to quality of work with attention to detail.
• Commitment to achievement of AAT Level 2/3/4.
• Commitment to continued personal development.
• Commit to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults within the College.

• 3 GCSEs at Grades A-C (including English & Maths) or equivalent.
• A commitment to undertake any mandatory training relevant to the role.

Please see the person specification for full details.

• Substantial annual leave entitlement plus holiday purchase scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing; free gym membership, 24/7 counselling for you and your family.
• Family‑friendly policies: flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support including counselling, legal and financial advice.
• Professional development: extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities.
• Funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training, and paid volunteering days.
• Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at our onsite salon.
• College benefit scheme – College Extras: up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants, discounted gift cards for big brands, home & tech upgrades via salary sacrifice, Cycle to Work scheme, coming soon: EV leasing, discounted onsite car parking.

To learn more about working at Middlesbrough College, please visit our Work For Us page.

For further details and to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Rachel Wykman, Purchasing Team Leader on

Middlesbrough College is a leading provider of education and training in the North East, offering A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and degree-level qualifications. With state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a commitment to staff development, we’re proud to create opportunities for learners and colleagues alike, fostering an environment where…