Finance Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme

Employer: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Application Deadline: Midday on Monday, 7th April 2025
Contract Type: Apprenticeship (4-year program)
Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer
Salary:

• National: £36,320 – £39,234
• London: £41,289 – £44,614
• Includes Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Job Locations

• Croydon, London
• 100 Parliament Street, Westminster, London
• Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Stratford

About the Apprenticeship

This 4-year finance apprenticeship is designed for graduates seeking to develop a career in finance within the UK Civil Service. Apprentices will undertake four placements across different finance teams, gaining experience in financial reporting, business partnering, risk management, and more.

During the scheme, apprentices will study towards a Level 7 Finance Qualification through CIMA or CIPFA, leading to a professional accountancy qualification.

Progression and Permanent Employment

• After two years, apprentices can apply for advancement to Senior Officer (subject to meeting required milestones).
• If successful, they receive a permanent contract for the remainder of the apprenticeship.
• The final two placements will reflect this higher grade.

Key Responsibilities

Apprentices will work across various finance roles, including:

• Management Reporting: Month-end activities, financial reports, and data analysis.
• Financial Accounting & Reporting: Annual reports, financial controls, and compliance.
• Financial Operations: Payroll, purchasing, cash management, and expense tracking.
• Finance Business Partnering: Budgeting, forecasting, investment appraisals, and analysis.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks.
• Strategic Finance: Providing financial insights to senior stakeholders.
• Systems & Data: Managing financial systems and data accuracy.

Eligibility Criteria

External Candidates:

• Minimum 2:1 degree in any subject.

Existing Civil Servants:

• Level 4 qualification or equivalent.

All Applicants:

• GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English (Grades 4-9).
• Must not be undertaking another apprenticeship or government-funded qualification.
• Must pass an apprenticeship eligibility assessment before enrolment.

Security Clearance Requirements

• Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance required for 100 Parliament Street location.
• Candidates must have 3 years of UK residency before applying for security clearance.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to analyse problems and provide solutions.
• Effective time management and prioritisation.
• Ability to work in teams and build relationships.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines.

Application & Selection Process

Stage 1: Application Form (Closes 7th April 2025, 12:00 PM)

• Basic details
• CV submission (not scored)
• 500-word Personal Statement addressing key competencies

Stage 2: Online Test (Numerical Test – 22nd-24th April 2025)

• Candidates meeting the minimum score proceed to the next stage.

Stage 3: Additional Online Tests (30th April – 2nd May 2025)

• Verbal and Judgement Tests.

Stage 4: Pre-Recorded Interview (16th – 23rd May 2025)

• Strength-based questions.

Stage 5: Virtual Assessment Centre (30th June – 11th July 2025)

• Group exercise, written exercise, and live interview (assessing behaviours and strengths).

Behaviours Assessed

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (increases to 30 days with service).
• Flexible & Hybrid working policies.
• Family-friendly policies (parental leave, support programs).
• Coaching and development opportunities.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme (Employer contribution of 28.97%).

Nationality Requirements

Open to:

• UK nationals
• Republic of Ireland nationals
• Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK
• EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status
• Turkish nationals with Civil Service work eligibility

How to Apply

• Submit application before 7th April 2025 (12:00 PM).
• Attend online tests and assessments as per schedule.
• Review the FAQs and attend webinars for further guidance.

For queries, contact: team.financeprofession@hmrc.gov.uk.