Finance Apprentice

Network Rail Limited

Manchester, M1 2NY

Closes on Wednesday 30 July 2025

Posted on 7 February 2025


Summary

Network Rail are now recruiting Finance Apprentices to join their Accounting Services team to complete an AAT apprenticeship programme, which includes the level 3 programme. This role is an entry level scheme designed as an alternative route to university. It has various duties such as financial reporting, and other finance assistance tasks.

Training course
Assistant accountant (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. Flexibility option to be confirmed (flexible). Hybrid working option available.

35 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 1 September

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

2

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

As a finance apprentice and a key member of the finance team, the role will involve liaising with people from all departments and at all levels. As a finance professional, you’ll inform finance multi-million-pound decisions and directly influence the development, growth and operation of their railway. 

Overview of duties: 

  • Assist with periodic financial reports
  • Post journals and other key financial inputs
  • Assist the business in updating project information on the Network Rail key systems
  • Provide support with ad hoc reporting as requested by the business
  • Undertake ad hoc finance assistance based on queries received
  • Support with achieving the team key metrics

Where you’ll work

4 Travis Street

Manchester

M1 2NY

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY LIMITED

Your training course

Assistant accountant (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents
  • Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries.
  • Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
  • Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts.
  • Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
  • Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
  • Investigate, resolve or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
  • Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
  • Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
  • Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
  • Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
  • Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries.
  • Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
  • Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts.
  • Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
  • Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
  • Investigate, resolve or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
  • Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
  • Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
  • Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
  • Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.

Your training plan

  • Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
  • Alongside your role, you will study towards the level 3 AAT qualification

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

  • English (grade C/5)
  • Maths (grade C/5)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative

Other requirements

This company has a fantastic track record for developing and investing in a number of apprentices in the past. All apprentices so far have secured a permanent position within the team and many have quickly progressed to Assistant Accountant, with some progressing further into a Finance Business Partner role. You will be well trained and supported throughout your apprenticeship and even have access to some fantastic perks, such as: - Subsidised rail travel – 75% on rail season tickets and leisure travel - Interest-free season ticket loans for travel - A choice of three contributory pension schemes - Charitable giving schemes, including company contributions - Employee assistance programme A range of other benefits, including volunteer leave, cycle to work scheme, discounted online shopping site. Hybrid working option available.

About this company

One of the UK’s most recognised engineering and railway companies in the heart of Manchester, Network Rail. They specialise in the maintenance and development of Britain's rail tracks, signalling, bridges, tunnels, level crossings and many key stations. With new world-class stations being built, they are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. Great opportunities for development and learning in a supportive environment, friendly and sociable team, strong potential for progression. All apprentices so far have secured a permanent position within the team and many of whom have quickly progressed to Assistant Accountant with some progressing further into a Finance Business Partner role.

After this apprenticeship

  • With progression towards the level 4 AAT qualifications
  • You will receive support from industry-experienced tutors and coaches
  • Great opportunities for development and learning in a supportive environment, friendly and sociable team, strong potential for progression

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY LIMITED

Maria Grimsley

recruitment@theapprenticeacademy.co.uk

0161 200 1673

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000301897.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 30 July 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.