Finance Assistant Apprentice | Operations Group | Finance | LMB 2742

To proactively provide accounting support to the Finance team in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) 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.

To provide administrative support to the LMB’s Head of Finance, Deputy Head of Finance, Finance Officer and Research Funding team.

To undertake a Level 2 Accounts for Finance Assistant Apprenticeship with First Intuition Cambridge, attending a mixture of in-person sessions at their training centre and online sessions. As part of the 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

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.

You will work closely with all staff within the Finance team and will report to the Deputy Head of Finance.

You will build and maintain a good working relationship with the Divisional Office staff and work closely with all members of the LMB where invoicing issues arise.

You will work and communicate with UKSBS staff to resolve invoice queries promptly and liaise with suppliers as necessary.

We support our employees with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:

• UKRI training courses
• External training and personal development courses
• One-to-one training with their supervisor and other colleagues

As an apprentice you will commit to undertaking the following:

• Working to the highest standards
• Attending training courses
• Identifying additional training, which will support you to develop your career
• Taking all measures necessary to ensure your own and other employees health & safety

To apply for this apprenticeship, you will need to demonstrate within your CV that you meet the following criteria. Evidence may be used from current or prior paid employment, voluntary roles or educational experiences.

Where indicated, this detail will be assessed at shortlisting (S), interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential: Educated to GCSE Standard, with a minimum of GCSE grade 9-4 including or equivalent in English and Maths. (S)

Desirable: Educated to ‘A’ Level standard. (S)

Essential: Experience of working as part of a team, understanding a variety of roles and responsibilities appropriate to service needs. (S&I)

• Experience of working in an office environment dealing with queries. (I)
• Experience of accurate record keeping and filing with a keen eye for detail. (S&I)

Essential: Experience of using IT software, particularly Excel. (S&I)

• Experience in the use of databases. (S&I)
• Experience of researching information from relevant sources, preparing documentation and presenting data clearly for various audiences. (S&I)

• Good written and verbal communication. (S&I)
• Ability to produce accurate numerical work. (I)
• Approachable and consistent, with the ability to convey a professional image at all times. (I)
• Ability to interact with staff on all levels. (I)
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and carry out tasks effectively, knowing when to seek help, support and advice. (I)
• Good organisational skills. (I)
• Ability to demonstrate problem solving skills. (I)
• Ability to use own initiative to prioritise workload. (I)
• Demonstrates commitment to learning new skills and knowledge to enable continuous improvement including a commitment to undertaking and completing the Level 2 AAT Accounting Apprenticeship. (I)

• General interest in the work of the LMB. (S&I)
• Flexible approach to changing work tasks. (I)

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

1.    Have evidence of Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills).

2.    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.

3.    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.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

As part of the application process, a CV and cover letter are required. The CV should include GCSE results, details of any other qualifications and information on skills, experience or achievements relevant to the role.

If qualifications were obtained outside the UK, please attach a UK ENIC certificate of comparability to demonstrate the UK equivalent level.

In your cover letter (no more than one side of A4), please include:

• Your interest in the MRC LMB: Explain your motivation for working at the LMB, and what attracts you to this role.
• Your interest in Accountancy: What motivates you to work within Finance and Accountancy.
• Why an apprenticeship is the preferred route: What is it about the apprenticeship that you feel best serves you in beginning a career in Finance and Accountancy.

We encourage applicants to be clear and specific about their motivations, and how their interests align with the work of the LMB.

It is anticipated that the interviews will take place on 28th September, with the successful candidate starting w/c 12th October.

Corporate Responsibilities

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.  Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

UKRI - 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.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is