Finance Assistant Apprentice
MRC’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) based at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus has an exciting vacancy for a Level 2 Finance Assistant Apprenticeship.
Role
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
You will undertake your apprenticeship training with First Intuition Cambridge, attending a mixture of in-person sessions at their training centre and online sessions.
As part of your 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
Towards the end of your apprenticeship you will be assessed against the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours contained within the apprenticeship standard across the following areas:
- Legal, ethical and sustainability requirements in accounting
- Financial data processing and accounting tasks
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
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
Travel to First Intuition Cambridge is required, with excess costs covered.
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
- Apprenticeship Standard
- Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)
- Training Provider
- FIRST INTUITION EAST AND NORTH LIMITED
- Working Week
- Monday - Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.
- Expected Duration
- 1 Year 2 Months
- Positions Available
- 1
- Closing Date
- Thursday, 17th September 2026
- Start Date
- Monday, 12th October 2026
Desired Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
Qualifications
- English GCSE, grade 4/C (Essential)
- Maths GCSE, grade 4/C (Essential)