Background

Finance has always played a key role at Transport for London. As the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, our role has never been more important. We’re committed to achieving a financially sustainable future, ensuring we can cover our cost of operations without the need for an ongoing central government grant. As a Finance apprentice, you will have a huge part to play in this. You will work with stakeholders to make commercial business decisions together; challenging, driving and guiding them to reduce costs and increase income. 

What will I be doing?

As an apprentice, your two-year development programme will be made up of six placement rotations which will develop your understanding of the different aspects that make up Finance as a business function. Alongside this, you'll be studying for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Certificate in Business Accounting qualification through the Level 4 Accountancy Taxation Professional apprenticeship.

Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. We also understand that everyone’s career and ambitions are different, so every apprentice’s journey with us is unique.

Here’s an idea of what you could get involved with:

• Record to Account - Providing your customers with forecasting support, while maintaining the accuracy of our financial data. You’ll be reviewing and preparing journal entries, account reconciliations and validations.
• Order to Cash - You could be providing access to purchasing services or goods. You might also assist with apportioning fare revenue to internal and external business units, or with identifying revenue leaks.
• Accounts Payable - In supporting the Accounts Payable team, you would be responsible for the timely and accurate processing of our supplier invoices, and the prompt resolution of any queries to ensure that all payments are made on time.
• Master Data - Master Data underpins many of our financial systems and services. You will ensure that fundamental data are correct, kept accurately, shown consistently and shared with the right people at the right time.
• Reporting - Supporting key financial decisions by providing real-time, standardised reports to your internal customers.
• Business Partnering -Test your skills by supporting business areas to make commercial and investment decisions which affect the future of London. You could work in major delivery units such as London Underground, Major Projects or Commercial Development.

What do we look for?

Everything we do as an organisation is to ensure that our evolving city remains future-proof for millions of Londoners. Our talented apprentices form a vital part of that vision, so it’s important that we find the best people to help us do this. We’re looking for people who are:

• Motivated to add value
• Comfortable challenging the status quo
• Inquisitive mind

 As a member of the team, we’ll give you responsibility and the opportunity to add value.  If you are excited by inspiring and influencing the future of London, then this is the career path for you.

Where can this career take me?

Upon successful completion of this scheme, and as a part-qualified chartered accountant, you will have the skills to undertake a critical role in our Business Support Function. You could also further expand your career opportunities by undertaking a Level 7 apprenticeship, studying the full CIMA qualification to reach Chartered Management Accountant status.

What training and support will you get?

You will be working towards a level 4 qualification in Business Accounting, accredited by CIMA.

Typically, you will be required to attend college and will be released for block periods of study. Currently, this is being done through remote learning. 

Whilst on the scheme, we’ll support your technical development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experiences and placements.  We’ll also support your professional development through a combination of classroom-led training courses, online training courses, mentoring opportunities and structured networking opportunities. You will receive one-to-one support throughout the programme from your scheme sponsor and your Line Manager. You’ll also be connected to a ‘buddy’ who will be a more experienced apprentice from the scheme. 

We also have an established Graduate and Apprentice Committee as well as an Alumni group, these groups are powerful networks in developing your understanding of the organisation, different apprenticeship schemes and opportunities to develop your career. Many current graduates and apprentices believe this to be a powerful support network and they often hold apprentice-only events that are very beneficial to your continued learning.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of 5 GCSE’s Grade A* - C or Grade 4 and above including Maths and English language plus 2 A-Levels in any subject at grade A* - D or equivalent.
• You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject or have already studied content from the qualification for this scheme.
• You must be 18 years of age by 6th September 2021 to be eligible for this scheme.

Application Process

The application process consists of 4 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame.