Finance Assistant Apprentice

Introduction

MRC’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) based at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus has an exciting vacancy for a Level 2 Finance Assistant Apprenticeship. 

About the Employer

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.

What You'll Do

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

Training Outcome

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

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 4/C
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4/C

Course Information

Course: Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Legal, finance and accounting

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday - Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 2 Months

Training Provider: FIRST INTUITION EAST AND NORTH LIMITED

This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme, committed to employing disabled people.