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Finance Assistant Apprentice

UK Research and Innovation · Cambridge Biomedical Campus · posted 28 August 2026

Wage
£23,794 a year
Hours
36 hours a week
Duration
1 Year 2 Months
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)
Starts
12 October 2026
Closing date
17 September 2026
Positions
1

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

As a Finance Assistant Apprentice at the LMB the successful candidate will proactively provide accounting support to the Finance team by performing tasks including purchase invoice processing, adjustment journal preparation and entry onto the Oracle Fusion accounting system. This role will also assist with the preparation of budget plans within the constraints of corporate deadlines.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

Routine Accounting Tasks

  • Using the accounting system (Oracle Fusion), action invoice queries received daily, by liaising with requisitioners, Divisional Administrators and the UK Shared Business Services (UKSBS)
  • Prepare input documents for invoices charged to a number of cost centres ensuring that the invoices are processed to meet payment deadlines. Suppliers of these invoices include: Fedex, DHL, Veezu Taxis, University of Cambridge and our catering company. Liaise with suppliers as necessary
  • Scanning, and electronic filing of purchase invoices and sending documents to UKSBS using service requests on Oracle Fusion
  • Track utility and courier costs, obtain required approvals, and support invoice processing and payments
  • Monitor the progress of utility, courier and other critical invoices to ensure prompt payment
  • Issue receipts for cheques received in the Finance Office, complete the miscellaneous receipt request form, sending cheques to UKSBS as received

Month End Procedures

  • Prepare and upload journals for movement of costs as required, forwarding them to the Finance Officer or Head of Finance for checking
  • Assist the Finance Officer with the collection of data for accruals and prepayments
  • Obtain utility meter readings from the Estates & Facilities team and complete the recharging exercise by raising invoices to other organisations
  • Assist the Finance team with the investigation and clearance of the accounts payable balance sheet

Budgets

  • Assist the Finance team with the preparation of annual budgets on the accounting system, completing control sheets, updating journal log and printing documents
  • Assist the Finance team with the analysis and preparation of data for forecasting and budgeting purposes

Support to Finance Staff

  • Provide on-going general support to the Finance team
  • Maintain the smooth running of the department’s facilities e.g. paper and toner in printer and photocopier and stationery orders
  • Update the Finance assistant procedure manual
  • Receive and distribute incoming post for the Finance team on a daily basis
  • Act on queries within own responsibility
  • Any ad hoc tasks appropriate to the role

Your training

You will undertake your apprenticeship training with First Intuition Cambridge, attending a mixture of in-person sessions at their training centre and online sessions.

As part of your apprenticeship you will also study for and achieve the following qualifications:

  • AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
  • Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
  • Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and Business

Towards the end of your apprenticeship you will be assessed against the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours contained within the apprenticeship standard across the following areas:

  • Legal, ethical and sustainability requirements in accounting
  • Financial data processing and accounting tasks
  • Communication and stakeholder engagement

Completion of the apprenticeship aligns with the following professional registration:

  • Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for Associate AICB
  • Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers for Associate AIAB

Travel to First Intuition Cambridge is required, with excess costs covered.

Where it leads

Completion of the apprenticeship aligns with the following professional registration:

  • Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for Associate AICB
  • Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers for Associate AIAB

About UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

Things to consider

To be eligible to be considered for this apprenticeship you must:

  • Have evidence of Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills)
  • Have lived in the UK and/or EU for 3 consecutive years prior to the apprenticeship start date and have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship, including the end-point assessment
  • Confirm that this apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge and that you have not already achieved an equivalent or higher-level qualification in a similar or related subject

As part of our shortlisting process, we may be required to determine your eligibility to undertake the programme based on the information provided within your application. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsAdministrative skillsNumber skills

Entry requirements

  • GCSE English (grade 4/C) — essential
  • GCSE Maths (grade 4/C) — essential

Where you'll work

  • Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QH

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