Job Description

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for an experienced AAT Level 3 Apprentice in the early stages of their career and wanting to build strong technical foundations while gaining exposure to real clients in a fast-paced accountancy practice.

The Finance Assistant is responsible for preparing accurate bookkeeping, reconciliations, journals, and draft month-end information for assigned clients. The role focuses on high-quality financial preparation, supporting Senior Finance Associates and Client Accountants with reliable, review-ready outputs.

What's in it for you?

Generous AAT Level 4 study package of 24k - 28k (depending on experience) Up to 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 3 days over Christmas and new year Pension scheme contributions and professional subscriptions paid Free parking space near the office Hybrid working for work-life balance A collaborative and innovative team culture Quarterly team activities Real opportunities for career progression

Training & Development

This role is delivered under the UK Apprenticeship Programme, with the successful candidate studying towards Level 4 (you must have completed AAT Level 3) through an approved training provider. Time will be allocated during working hours to support learning, development, and assessment requirements.

Role Purposes:

To support Client Accountants by preparing high-quality financial information, schedules, and draft outputs, ensuring smooth month-end delivery.

Your Role

Bookkeeping and Financial Processing

Maintain accurate bookkeeping records using double-entry principles Post routine journals under supervision (accruals, prepayments, recharges) Prepare bank and balance sheet reconciliations Investigate differences and escalate issues appropriately

Month-End Support

Assist Client Accountants with month-end close activities Prepare supporting schedules and draft reconciliation packs Ensure working papers are complete and review-ready

VAT & Compliance Support

Prepare VAT returns and supporting schedules Assist with CIS and payroll-related tasks Follow internal processes and compliance checklists

Client & Team Support

Respond to routine client queries Liaise with Finance Assistants to resolve issues Support Client Accountants with analysis

About You:

18-24 months' experience in a bookkeeping, accounts assistant, or junior finance role Currently studying, or committed to studying, AAT Level 3 or above under the UK Apprenticeship Programme Good understanding of double-entry bookkeeping Comfortable posting journals and completing reconciliations Exposure to month-end processes and reconciliation packs Confident using accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or similar)

What Success Looks Like

Accurate, timely bookkeeping and reconciliations Increasing confidence with journals and month-end support Review points reducing over time Strong progress through the AAT apprenticeship Ready to progress into a Senior Finance Associate role within 12-18 months

Progression Path

Finance Associate ? Senior Finance Associate ? Client Accountant

Why Join Bluewater?

At Bluewater, we're a fast-growing, tech-driven firm passionate about helping clients in the property and construction sectors achieve their goals. Starting as a one-person venture, we've expanded to a team of 8, with ambitious plans to triple in size over the next five years. Joining us means you'll be part of a flexible, supportive environment where your ideas are valued, and as we grow, so will your opportunities for career progression and leadership within the firm.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Apprenticeship

Pay: 24,000.00-28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Free parking Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

Birmingham B15 1TH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Do you understand that this role is an AAT Level 4 Apprenticeship and are you happy to pursue the apprenticeship program if successful? Have you worked with Xero and Dext and is this evidenced on your CV?
Experience:

Bookkeeping and reconcilliations: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

AAT Level 3 Qualification (required)
Work Location: In person