APPRENTICE FINANCE ASSISTANT



Salary:
Real Living Wage
Job Type: Full Time, Fixed Term


Location:
Head Office
Benefits: Competitive pension, 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service, cycle to work scheme, season ticket loans for public transport plus much more.

The Apprentice Finance Assistant will be given real role-related work experience in financial accounting and financial reporting, supported by a mentor from the senior finance team, and the opportunity to work towards a nationally recognised accounting qualification with the help of lead professionals from within the department.

GREAT PLACES - THE BUSINESS

Great Places Housing Group is a modern, forward-looking profit-for-purpose organisation. Our vision is to create great homes in great communities, which would not be achievable without the great people in Great Places workforce. Whilst social purpose is very much at the core of what we do we balance this responsibly with a commercial perspective to ensure our vision is sustainable in the longer term.

GROWING GREATNESS - THE PROGRAMME

Our Great Places Apprentice Apprenticeship programme demonstrates our commitment to developing our future talent; helping you to develop and progress in your chosen directorate. Through Growing Greatness we will support you to gain a relevant professional qualification through the completion of a nationally recognised Apprentice apprenticeship, provide additional group and individual training and development opportunities and enable you to participate in a range of projects to enhance and build your skillset over the life of your programme.

SUMMARY OF ROLE: KEY

RESPONSIBILITIES:


To help ensure the effective and timely delivery of the Great Places service, in line with our vision and values.
To actively contribute to projects, joint and individual, across the timeline of the scheme.
To perform assigned tasks safely, efficiently and economically in line with Great Places company standards.
To gain a sound knowledge of working practices within given area and achieve the required standards to pass the required apprenticeship standard.
To gain experience within all areas of financial accounting, management and reporting
Process invoices that are payable by the group. Manage and resolve queries to ensure suppliers can be paid on time
Process payments to suppliers
Process rents on to customer accounts to ensure that the colleagues are not chasing arrears which have been paid
Reconcile cash books to understand why there are differences in the bank statement and our financial records
Process routine accruals as directed
undertake routine performance reporting of non-financial data
To prepare returns and accounts which withstand external scrutiny
You will be the main point of contact in finance for at least one main supplier.
To prepare financial reconciliations when required and assist in budget monitoring and variance analysis.
To ensure a flexible working approach between the core working hours (Monday to Friday 08.00 18.00).
Adopt a flexible working style to ensure the delivery of a high standard of service and positive customer experience.
To complete all requirements of the agreed apprenticeship qualification.

CORPORATE

RESPONSIBILITIES:


To ensure the responsibilities of the post are carried out in a way that reflects the standards, vision and values of Great Places;
To help us to deliver value for money and manage resources effectively and efficiently, ensuring that financial and non-financial targets are met.
To positively promote Great Places through working in a way that demonstrates a professional and service focused approach and behaviour that is in line with the Great Places competency framework;
To observe all policies / procedures / working practices / regulations and in particular to comply with Great Places Equality and Diversity Policy, Health and Safety Policy and Safeguarding Policy.
To undertake additional training and development opportunities where appropriate.

APPRENTICE FINANCE ASSISTANT

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

At least 5 GCSE passes

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

A requirement to meet the key criteria for and undertake training as required under the Apprentice Apprenticeship programme
Ability to complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner
Ability to interact with a wide range of people
Ability to prioritise workload and manage a number of tasks concurrently
Ability to work effectively with colleagues and other stakeholders to give information/find information/resolve problems
Ability to work on own initiative, but understand level of responsibility within the team
Ability to work under pressure
Able to deliver a high standard of customer service
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Methodical and creative approach to solving queries
Organisation and ability to time-manage own work load
Strong IT and digital skills including Microsoft Office and social media platforms
The ability to develop and project a positive image of Great Places in person, over the phone and in writing

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

A high level of attention to detail
Ability to work flexibly and when needed outside normal working hours
Able to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative
Ambitious with a personal drive to succeed
Commitment to work in partnership with others for the benefit of Great Places
Personally positive and highly motivated
Professional and value led with integrity, inclusivity and respect for diversity
The ability to work well during periods of change or uncertainty
Willingness to learn and ambition to become a leader within your chosen field
An understanding of the value of customer excellence and service impact

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