2026 Finance Apprentice Level 2 Accountant Assistant, with progression to Level 3 Assistant Accountant and Level 4 Professional Accountant
Join to apply for the 2026 Finance Apprentice Level 2 Accountant Assistant role at Portal Londrinatur.
In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make tomorrow’s possible. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us.
At Thales UK we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well‑being matters to us and that’s why we offer the flexibility to do what’s important to you, whether that’s part‑time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.
Where possible we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary:£24,000 per annum
Location: Cheadle
Employee type: Permanent
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday‑Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
What The Role Has To Offer
* Earn while you learn
* Job‑specific training experience
* Recognised qualifications
* Permanent role from day one
* Tuition fees for university or approved training providers fully covered
* Great opportunity to gain experience and further your career in Finance
* Operate in a visible role with an opportunity to add value from the early stages
Responsibilities
* Liaising with various stakeholders to understand, challenge and report the overheads and headcount of the business
* Providing accurate, timely and reliable overhead and cost information, and analysis to senior management
* Utilising Thales tools to develop internal reporting and ensure consistency across the UK
* Supporting cost- centre reviews
* Assisting in the budgeting cycle where required
* Managing data cleanse activities including balance sheet reconciliation
* Supporting projects in maintaining forecast invoicing dates and improving cash forecasting
* Supporting Project Managers and Business Controllers in timely cost transfers
* Assisting in Project Closure activities
* Ad‑hoc tasks, reporting and analysis as required by Financial Controller/Director
* Supporting preparation and distribution of monthly financial results, ensuring tight deadlines are achieved
* Supporting monthly overhead, headcount and DLU (Direct Labour Utilisation) reviews
* Supporting the preparation and review of monthly Cost By Nature (CBN) and Functional Cost Report (FCR) reports, including commentary and analysis as requested by Group, UK or business management
* Supporting the overhead multi‑year budget (MYB) process
* Supporting the overhead reforecasting process
* Providing information on headcount evolution
* Providing specific analytical reports to cost‑centre managers
* Supporting the preparation and posting of journal vouchers, including accruals, prepayments, corrections, etc.
Apprentice Programme
Apprentices will start by enrolling onto a Level 2 Accountant Assistant Apprenticeship with our award‑winning training partner, The Apprentice Academy. Delivered via a virtual delivery model over 15 months, the apprenticeship will introduce you to day‑to‑day accounting activities and help you build the competence to deliver these successfully.
On completion of the programme, you will achieve an AAT Level 2 Diploma in Accounting. On completion of Level 2, you will be supported to progress onto the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship (18 months) and the Level 4 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship (17 months) to achieve your AAT qualifications.
Requirements
* 5 GCSEs 9‑4 (A‑C), including English and Maths
Benefits
* 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
* Company Pension
* Health Care Cash Plan
* Life Insurance
* Discount Portal
* Performance‑related pay uplifts
* 80 hours volunteering (first two years)
Closing date
Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. Please note we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps. NOTE: Roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
Recruitment Process
For further information on our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to speak to a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate or Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent – Connectr.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work we are subject to security restrictions. All successful candidates must possess permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements. This role requires SC. It would be advantageous if currently held; if not, the successful applicant must obtain SC prior to commencing employment.
Thales Equal Opportunity Employer
Thales is an equal‑opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. In line with Thales’ Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years.
Inclusive Recruitment Process
We provide an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments and support are available for neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition. If you require an adjustment or an alternative format of this advert, contact Resourcing Ops (for mid‑to‑senior roles) or the Early Careers Team (for graduate and apprentice roles).
Great journeys start here – apply now!
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