About this job
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and ambitious aspiring accountant to join our dynamic Finance Team as an Accounting Technician Apprentice. You’ll gain hands-on experience in Local Government finance while working towards a nationally recognised professional qualification—AAT Level 3 or 4 (subject to eligibility). As a valued member of our team, you will support key financial operations that underpin service delivery across the Council. Your responsibilities will include: • Maintaining accurate financial records and ledgers through bookkeeping and reconciliation. • Preparing financial reports, forecasts and budgets to inform strategic decision-making. • Managing supplier payments, raising invoices, and recovering income, ensuring full compliance with Council policies. • Completing statutory and legislative returns, including Freedom of Information responses and grant claims. • Supporting business change initiatives, transformation programmes and project activities. Alongside your practical work, you will study for an AAT qualification under the Council’s Apprenticeship Programme. You’ll receive structured support, mentoring and professional development to build your career in finance from the ground up. IMPORTANT : Apprenticeship opportunities advertised externally are for residents of London Borough of Barking & Dagenham only and care leavers of Barking and Dagenham will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria. Applicants must not already hold an equivalent qualification or higher in the advertised apprenticeship subject.
Special requirements for this post
Must meet the entry requirements for AAT Level 3: • minimum of 5 GCSE at grade 9 - 5 (A* - C) including both English Language & Mathematics at grade 6 (B) & above And either • AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or Bookkeeping (merit or distinction) or prior attainment of equivalent business, accounting or finance studies; or • minimum of 3 A Levels at grade A* - C including a business-related subject e.g. accounting (AS level acceptable), economics or business or • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (business-related subject). Note: Candidates that have already successfully completed AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (merit or distinction) will have the option to pursue AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
About you
To thrive in this role, you will demonstrate: • A foundational understanding of business, bookkeeping or accounting principles, with a willingness to build on this through structured learning and practical experience. • A strong sense of personal drive and resilience, capable of performing under pressure, meeting deadlines and handling challenges with initiative and confidence. • Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to balance work commitments alongside professional study. • Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to varied audiences in an accessible and engaging manner. • High levels of numerical competence and the ability to interpret and simplify complex data sets for practical application. • Ability to translate ambition into action, delivering measurable results that align with team and organisational goals. • Strength in team collaboration, with the ability to lead by example and promote a culture of mutual respect, shared accountability and high performance.