Finance Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2027

Salary: £21,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Duration: 4 years

MBDA location: Bolton

Learning provider: BPP - this provider offers the flexibility of either face to face learning in the classroom, or virtual lessons through live or recorded sessions. The level of flexibility is dependent on BPP locations, which can be found here https://www.bpp.com/about-bpp/locations

Due to the need to attend your MBDA site and the training provider as required for your apprenticeship, applicants need to ensure their home or rental location is appropriate, travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised as required for your role.

The qualification: You'll complete a Level 3 Accountancy Apprenticeship where you'll gain an AAT Diploma in Accounting. Then you'll move on to complete a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting with AAT (Association for Accounting Technicians), as part of a Professional Accounting Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship.

Find more details about the courses here:

https://www.bpp.com/courses/accountancy-and-tax/apprenticeships/assistant-accountant

https://www.bpp.com/courses/accountancy-and-tax/apprenticeships/professional-accounting-taxation-technician

Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. 

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team. 

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 20th November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing.
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

Programme structure - your work at MBDA:

As part of the Apprenticeship, you will initially study for a Level 3 Assistant Accountant qualification (18 months). Following this you'll move on to complete a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting with AAT (Association for Accounting Technicians), as part of a Professional Accounting Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship (a further 18 months). Your studies will be delivered by BPP, who offer the flexibility of either face to face learning in the classroom, or virtual lessons through live or recorded sessions (the level of flexibility is dependent on BPP locations.) Whilst completing your level 3 and 4 qualifications, you’ll compliment your study by completing placements within at least two Finance functions, where you'll be onsite 2-3 days per week. The final 12 months of the scheme you will be working full time to gain practical experience and put your newly acquired knowledge into practice

Our vision in Finance is to operate as one coordinated team, which strives to deliver a consistent application of standard methodology, financial controls and processes. We look to challenge all areas of the business, improve shareholder value, protect the assets of MBDA and ensure we align with all national and shareholder requirements. Our Finance Apprentices will be given an insight into the various roles within Finance, to develop a well-rounded experience of the service the function provides to the wider business, and a strong foundation of the skills and behaviours that a business partner should be able to bring to the business in the future.

Potential placements could be available in the following areas:

• Accounting and Planning – preparation of company level financial plans and reports for senior management and other stakeholders
• Programmes Finance – working as a business partner within multi-functional teams, focused on contract delivery and execution
• Cost Control – control of functional budgets, including Information Management and Facilities, and recovery of the cost base through hourly rates
• Treasury – cash management and foreign currency hedging
• Bids and Contract Evaluation – support the creation of robust, profitable financial proposals to customers for our products and services

There is then potential to access further professional qualifications within Finance depending upon your performance over the course of the apprenticeship.

Whilst BPP deliver their learning virtually, completion of AAT exams will be onsite at one of their locations https://www.aat.org.uk/assessment-venues/search

What we’re looking for from you:

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and expect to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.

GCSE's:

A minimum of 5 GCSE's at grades 9-4

This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• A Science or Technology subject

Basic understanding of Microsoft applications is essential for this apprenticeship.

Please note: For this apprenticeship you will be required to complete and pass a basic 4-day pre assessment with BPP to make sure you are fully prepared to begin the AAT Level 3. This free, four-day, online classroom Bookkeeping for Level 3 course will take place in August, you'll be fully supported by a tutor, with an assessment at the end of the week.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation.  We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

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