Finance Apprentice - Accounting Technician

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Finance team as a Finance Apprentice Accounting Technician. This role offers the chance to work towards a highly respected professional accounting qualification while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a supportive and collaborative environment.

As part of the programme, you'll receive structured training, practical on-the-job learning, and dedicated support to help you develop your technical skills, build your confidence, and advance your professional career.

Whether you're starting out in finance or looking to develop your existing experience, this is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn and build a strong foundation for a successful career in accountancy.

The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.

We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.

For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please see the information pack attached. You can also view our careers page at Civil Service Careers

Job description

We're looking for someone who is motivated to learn, organised, analytical and detail-focused, with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in developing a successful career in finance and accountancy.

You will work alongside experienced finance professionals, gradually taking on more responsibility as your training progresses.

A typical day could involve producing financial reports, analysing data, supporting budgeting and forecasting activities, carrying out reconciliations, maintaining financial records, or working with colleagues across the organisation to understand costs and financial performance.

You will also be involved in year-end processes including audit activity, and help us to improve our financial systems and ways of working.

Key Responsibilities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will:

• Attend college and successfully complete the study requirements for the AAT Level 3 qualification, with the opportunity to progress to Level 4.
• Develop your finance and accounting knowledge through a combination of formal learning and practical experience.
• Produce accurate and timely financial information, reports and schedules.
• Perform Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable activities.
• Carry out reconciliations and data checks to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Use financial systems to analyse data and provide reports for colleagues across the organisation.
• Maintain financial controls and ensure compliance with financial procedures and delegations.
• Assist with the fixed asset register, audit requests and year-end financial processes.
• Support budget monitoring, forecasting and financial analysis
• Provide financial information and advice to colleagues across the business.
• Contribute to projects that improve financial systems, processes and reporting.

What You'll Be Accountable For

As a Trainee Accounting Technician, you will be accountable for:

• Completing your apprenticeship studies and professional development requirements.
• Producing accurate, reliable and timely financial information.
• Maintaining high standards of financial control and data accuracy.
• Handling sensitive financial information appropriately and in line with organisational policies.
• Building effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Delivering a high-quality service to internal customers.
• Working collaboratively to achieve team and organisational objectives.
• Demonstrating professionalism, integrity and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Actively developing your skills, seeking feedback, and embodying the Planning Inspectorate's core values in everything you do.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

You do not need any previous experience of working in a finance role, however, for us to consider your application you must meet the requirements set out in the Essential Criteria but must also:

• Be aged 16 or over (there is no upper age limit)
• Been ordinarily resident in the UK or the British Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of the apprenticeship.
• Work at least 50% of your working hours in England if you live in Wales or Scotland.
• Not undertaking another apprenticeship or government-funded qualification at the same time.
• Does not have a qualification in an existing Level 3 or above Qualification for example: A level / BTEC level 3 / NVQ Level 3 / other level 3 qualification / Highers with the following in the title as either a single or dual qualification: Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, Tax

If you are a graduate, we will not be able to consider your application. The Civil Service Graduate Fast Stream Programme or non-apprenticeship jobs on Civil Service Jobs may be more appropriate for you.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. Internal rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

This role is being advertised at Apprenticeship Administrative Officer Grade which has a salary of £23,751.

Working hours:

Standard working week is 37 hours, flexible working hours policy available. We can offer flexibility within the role; however, college attendance days are fixed by the training provider and cannot be altered. The apprenticeship consists of 80% on-the-job training and 20% AAT-related learning, which may include college attendance, revision, and examinations.

Office Attendance

This role is contractually based at our office in Bristol, 10-minute walk from Temple Meads train station. We recognise and value the mutual benefits of hybrid working and have a flexible approach to in person attendance, which can vary dependent on the requirements of individual business units - the details of which can be discussed with candidates if invited to attend an interview. Excitingly, we're relocating to a brand new office in December, while maintaining excellent transport links with Bristol Temple Meads station still just a 10 minute walk away.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English Language.
• Commitment to completing the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work with and interpret data.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to identify issues and escalate to managers where appropriate.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn.

For guidance on how to structure your application please visit: About the application process , Civil Service Careers

Qualifications

Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English Language.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £23,751, Planning Inspectorate contributes

£6,880 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role.
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
• 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays.
• Generous family friendly policies.
• Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Application

Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information:

• A CV : The CV section is an opportunity for you to detail your career history. It should outline the jobs you have done, the length of time you were employed within each role and a brief description of your role, responsibilities and duties which demonstrate relevance to the role you are applying for against the essential criteria. You must type, or ‘copy and paste’ into the text box called ‘Employment History’ within the online application. You cannot attach a copy of your CV.
• A Personal Statement (750 words max) : Please provide a personal statement explaining why you are interested in this position and how your skills, experience, qualifications and achievements make you suitable for the role. You should use this section to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria listed in the advert, providing specific examples where possible.

In the event of a large number of applications, a lead sift may take place. The following point will be used as the lead criteria when shortlisting if this happens, and if you do not meet the minimum standard the rest of your application will not be assessed.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards.

Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will:

• Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role
• Interviews will be a blend of behaviour and strength questions
• You will be required to complete a competence test at interview which will assess your ability to calculate and interpret financial information.

Candidates who are successful at shortlist stage will be sent full assessment requirements with their interview invitations.

• Other Information
• Shortlist Date: 14th – 18th September 2026
• Interview Date: 5th – 9th October 2026
• Interviews will be held in person at our office in Bristol, 10-minute walk from Temple Meads train station

The Planning Inspectorate does not fund travel and subsistence for candidates to attend interviews.

We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification.

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for a period of 9 months from which further appointments can be made.

Future Matches

Candidates who demonstrate strong potential and future readiness but score just below the required level at interview may be considered for alternative positions. These roles may be at a lower grade but align with their skills and offer opportunities for growth

ID and Documents

If specific qualifications/memberships are essential for the role and you are successful, you will be asked to provide accurate scanned or photographed images of the qualifications/memberships t