Start Your Career in Finance with Sheffield City Council!
Apprentice Finance Support Officer – Finance Apprenticeship Programme
Location: Sheffield | Full-time | Study + Work | Paid Role
Thinking about your next step and not sure university is for you?
Kickstart your career with a Level 3 Finance Apprenticeship at Sheffield City Council!
What Does Our Finance Team Do?
We manage the Council’s finances, ensuring public money is used wisely and effectively. You’ll be part of a team that supports vital services across the city.
What You’ll Get:
1. Earn While You Learn: Work in our finance team while studying for your AAT qualification.
2. College Day: Attend Sheffield College 1 day a week during term time.
3. Mentorship: Learn from experienced finance professionals and a dedicated learning mentor.
4. Career Progression: After 2 years, become an Assistant Finance Support Officer—with opportunities to go further!
5. Further Study: Progress to qualifications like CIPFA, CIMA or ACCA to become a chartered finance professional.
What You’ll Do:
6. Help prepare financial reports, forecasts, and budgets.
7. Analyse data and spot variances.
8. Reconcile transactions and investigate discrepancies.
9. Support internal teams and respond to customer queries.
10. Input data into finance systems and maintain accurate records.
11. Use tools like Microsoft 365 (including Excel, Teams, PowerPoint) as well as accounting software.
12. Follow procurement policies to purchase goods and services.
Entry Requirements:
13. Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A Levels, BTEC, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent – pass or equivalent)
14. Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE or equivalent, grade C/4 or above)
What We’re Looking For:
We have 2 posts available in the team. In your application, you need to show us:
15. Your interest in a career in finance
16. Why you want to work for Sheffield City Council
17. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
18. Attention to detail and good communication skills
19. IT literacy (especially Excel and Microsoft 365)
How to Apply:
In your application, please clearly demonstrate your suitability by:
20. Matching your skills and experience to the person specification (from the attached Job Description)
21. Telling us why you are interested in starting a career in finance
22. Highlighting your enthusiasm, attention to detail, communication skills, and IT literacy (especially Excel and Microsoft 365)
Assessment Process:
After submitting your application:
23. Shortlisting – We’ll review your application against the person specification.
24. Open Day Invitation – If shortlisted, you may be invited to an open day to meet the team and take part in group activities.
25. Assessment Tests – You’ll complete timed numeracy and literacy tests.
26. Final Interview – If successful, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview. You’ll receive the interview questions 24 hours in advance to help you prepare.
Apply Now!
This is your chance to gain real experience, earn a qualification, and build a career in finance—all while making a difference in your city.
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.