Earn. Learn. Qualify. Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, develop and be the best version of yourself? Then why not build the foundations of your career with an Apprenticeship at Durham County Council. Why choose Durham County Council? We offer a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement – find out more information here We encourage a great work/life balance Many of our roles operate under our ‘hybrid working’ policy, which gives you the opportunity of flexible, home and office working. We have a successful track record in supporting our apprentices to secure permanent employment, with 3 in 4 apprentices securing a further role with us. We have been recognised as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer As a Disability Confident Leader, and a member of the North East England Rainbow Alliance, we are committed to equality and diversity in the workplace – find out more here You will learn from skilled professionals whilst being supported to study towards a recognised qualification with a college/university/training provider. We will support you every step of the way, with a dedicated Mentor, the option of a buddy for disabled new employees and great networking opportunities with other apprentices. Apprenticeship (Financial Management) Are you a problem-solver with an eye for detail? This could be the apprenticeship for you As a Financial Management Apprentice with Durham County Council, you will learn from and work alongside some amazing and talented people, develop your skills and grow as a person and professional. This role will provide you with the opportunity to open up your own career path from Financial Management Apprentice to potential future leader, with invaluable experience provided from across our Service and Strategic Finance teams. It will also enable you to gain a broad and fascinating insight into local authority functions. Our Corporate Finance and Commercial Services Development Mentoring Programme provides tailored support in an open and inclusive environment with a strong focus on wellbeing as well as technical experience. You will work across the Service and Strategic teams within Corporate Finance and Commercial Services and will gain real time work experience whilst studying to towards the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Qualification You will be based at Rivergreen, Aykley Heads, Durham with the opportunity of flexible, home and office working when appropriate. What we are looking for: By undertaking both on the job, and qualification based training you will be given the opportunity to gain career enhancing skills and competencies that will enable you to support the robust Financial Management Framework within the Council. In this role you will (via a supported training plan): assist in the production of annual revenue and capital budgets support and undertake budgetary control information including income and expenditure projections assist service budget holders with financial queries and coding requirements assist in the year end - final accounts closedown carry out routine reconciliations and general ledger maintenance study and achieve the Accounts/Finance Assistant Standard Level 2 and the Assistant Accountant Standard Level 3 during the duration of the apprenticeship via the Association of Accounting Technicians To thrive in this role, you will need: Effective communication skills Good numeric skills To work as a team member, forming effective working relationships with colleagues across the Council. What qualification will I gain? You will study towards the Accounts/Finance Assistant Level 2 standard progressing to Assistant Accountant Level 3 standard with a trusted training provider. What will I need? You must either have or expect to achieve 2 GCSEs at Grades 9-4/A-C including Maths and English or hold an equivalent qualification, together with good communication, IT and numerical skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. Further information? We encourage you to contact Alison Ward, Principal Accountancy Assistant via email alison.warddurham.gov.uk if you have any questions about this opportunity. Support Available We are running a series of virtual sessions via MS Teams to provide support on how to complete your application form, if you would like to attend a session please complete the following form - link DurhamWorks If you are aged 16-24 living in County Durham and not in education, employment, or training, you can take advantage of the help and support available from DurhamWorks. This dedicated programme works with you to remove any barriers preventing you from progressing. Visit Durhamworks Employability Durham If you are aged 25 and over, unemployed and live in County Durham, Employability Durham can offer you help and support to get back into work or start your own business. Visit Employabilit Durham DurhamEnable If you are 18, have a neurodivergence or disability and fit the criteria, DurhamEnable offers dedicated Job Coaching support from pre-application to post employment. Helping disabled people get and keep the right jobs for them. Visit DurhamEnable HOW TO APPLY In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email RecruitmentResourcesdurham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 26 27 27 selecting option 3 for Resources. We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. VPRS/161