Closes in 8 days (Monday 10 November 2025 at 11:59pm)
Ark Start is looking to recruit a Finance Assistant Apprentice to manage the day‑to‑day finance and administration across our growing network of nurseries in London. We are looking for a passionate, hard‑working and extremely organised individual who wants to be part of this exciting new venture.
Hours: Flexible working of 7.5 hours per day around core hours of 10am to 4pm (as agreed with line manager). 37 hours 30 minutes a week.
Duration: 1 year 3 months.
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.
What youll do at work
As the Finance Assistant Apprentice, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective financial administration of the nurseries, including maintaining financial reporting and the full procurement process.
In this role, funding will be provided for you to undertake the Level 3 Finance Assistant apprenticeship programme. You will be supported with aligning your work responsibilities with your studies and provided with off‑the‑job time to complete your studies across the duration of your training programme.
Key Responsibilities:
Income and Administration
* Input and reconcile all payments received to the nursery booking system
* Process claims through various childcare grant schemes, including Tax‑Free Childcare and the Childcare Grant Payment Scheme
* Reconcile Local Authority funding received to booking patterns and additional claims
* Raise all sales invoices for external work completed by the team
* Use accounting software and the nursery management system to process transactions and generate reports
Procurement and Supplier Management
* Raise and process purchase orders, ensuring goods are received and POs matched to invoices for payment
* Attend monthly procurement meetings with nursery managers to confirm requirements
* Manage the purchase ledger and supplier records
* Maintain preferred supplier list and procurement catalogue
* Raise, and obtain approval for, weekly payment runs, ensuring all approved invoices are paid promptly
* Process and reconcile credit card transactions
* Maintain utilities contracts, annual insurance, and subscriptions
Month End and Audit
* Support with monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations
* Upload, and ensure accuracy of, budgets to the finance system
* Support with schedules and reporting for annual audit, saving backing schedules monthly
Where youll work
1 Edcity Walk
London
W12 7TF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
EALING, HAMMERSMITH & WEST LONDON COLLEGE
* 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 elevate 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 elevate 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.
You will be expected to attend college at Ealing Campus of West London College for one day per week during term time to complete the required classroom‑based training.
Requirements
GCSE in:
* English Language (grade Grade 4 and above)
* Maths (grade Grade 4 and above)
Other in:
* Accounting (grade Passed)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Initiative
* Work under pressure
* Proactive
Other requirements
The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and other pre‑employment checks. This job description is not an exhaustive list, and you will be expected to carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by your line manager.
About this employer
Our nurseries are about much more than childcare. Founded by passionate, qualified teachers, we are committed to providing families with excellent early years education. Our team works together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. We have six nurseries in London, located near Elephant & Castle, Clapham Junction, East Croydon, Holland Park, Ladbroke Grove and Enfield, where we offer flexible and affordable daycare in a stimulating and nurturing environment.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, we aim to offer a permanent role within the organisation if a position is available.
Contact
EALING, HAMMERSMITH & WEST LONDON COLLEGE
Hema Thevendiraraj
employer@wlc.ac.uk
02075651388
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000348015.
Apply now
Closes in 8 days (Monday 10 November 2025 at 11:59pm)
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