Finance Apprentice - Ref: RT01026

Job description

Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprentice - Ref: RT01026

Wage as per National Minimum for Advanced and Higher Apprentice rate (based on age):

These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.

Year

Under 18

18 to 20

21 years and older

Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 and above)

April 2026

£8.08

£10.96

£12.84

£13.45

We are excited to offer a number of opportunities for motivated individuals to join Walsall Council's Finance Service as an Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprentice and begin building a rewarding career in local government finance.

Walsall Council's Finance Service supports vital services that make a difference to local people every day. Our teams work across a wide range of areas including financial planning, budgeting, business partnering, treasury management, and financial reporting.

These opportunities have arisen because of the successful progression of our previous apprentices and trainees into higher-level finance roles and professional qualifications, demonstrating the strong career development opportunities available within the Finance Service.

The apprenticeship is a fixed-term position for up to 18 months and is based on 37 hours per week. Your time will be split between workplace learning and apprenticeship training delivered by the training provider.

As an apprentice you will:

• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job-specific skills
• earn a wage and get holiday pay
• study towards a related qualification

What We're Looking For:

Attitude

• Enthusiastic and motivated.
• Willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Reliable and committed to completing the apprenticeship programme within the timescales.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.

Skills

• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organisation and attention to detail.

Commitment:

• Demonstrate an interest in building a long-term career within local government finance.

Qualifications

You must have achieved:

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
• AAT Level 2 qualification (or equivalent accounting qualification).

Applicants must have achieved all required qualifications at the point of application. Evidence of qualifications will be required prior to interview if shortlisted.

Successful completion of this apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee progression to a higher-level apprenticeship or permanent position.

Eligibility

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon confirmation that apprenticeship funding and eligibility criteria are met, and that the applicant is accepted onto the programme by the training provider.

Apprenticeship funding rules may restrict eligibility for applicants who already hold qualifications at the same level or higher in accounting, finance or a closely related subject. Eligibility will be assessed in line with current Government funding rules and training provider requirements.

This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.

View: Job Description and Employee Specification

The closing date for applications is 6 th September 2026

Interviews will be split into 2 stages for shortlisted applicants:

Stage 1 - will consist of a virtual pre-screening interview conducted via Microsoft Teams, will take place week commencing 21 st September 2026 (likely Monday 21 st & Tuesday 22 nd ). If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend Stage 2.

Stage 2 - will be a face to face interview within the Civic Centre. This stage will consist of a short test followed by an interview. These interviews will be held week commencing 30 th September 2026 (likely Wednesday 30th & Thursday 1 st Oct).

Please note that, once confirmed, interview dates will be fixed and we will be unable to rearrange them.

Previous apprenticeship vacancies have attracted significant interest and may close early if a high volume of applications is received. Early application is therefore encouraged.

For more information please contact Rowena Hawkins Rowena.Hawkins@walsall.gov.uk

Information for applicants

Applications are invited using our online application form only. If you have a disability and require information on submitting an application in another format then please contact us via email: recruitment@walsall.gov.uk

Important note: as you progress through the online application form you will be asked to upload a supporting statement. DO NOT UPLOAD YOUR CV. You should upload a statement detailing how your aptitudes meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. CV's will not be accepted.

All correspondence will be via email, therefore candidates should check their email and WMJobs account on a regular basis after submitting an application

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Walsall

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

16-08-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No