Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship - Level 3

This apprenticeship can offer you the support, training and industry-recognised qualification to get you on the path to a career in Finance and is an exciting opportunity to see first-hand what we do.

The Finance Team is made up of four areas, Finance Operations, Business Support, Corporate Systems, and Plans & Performance. Together they are responsible for delivering all financial advice, processes, and support across the Met Office.

This Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship combines structured study with practical experience, including sales and purchase ledger, credit control, cash management, management accounts, financial accounts and financial systems, enabling you to contribute meaningfully from an early stage while developing the skills needed for long‑term progression. The blend of the AAT qualification and hands‑on experience provides a strong foundation for your career and offers a clear pathway for advancement within the Finance Team.

Your key duties:

Successfully complete the externally delivered Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship. Maintain a logbook and portfolio, as required by the learning provider, throughout the apprenticeship. This should record the projects and activities undertaken to demonstrate your developing skills and learning. Apply the knowledge gained through your studies to the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, developing competence in core financial processes and building confidence through hands‑on experience.

Training:

We would look for you to join us in September 2026 with your apprenticeship training beginning shortly afterwards.

You will be managed by a line manager and have a mentor to offer further support. You will have on-the-job training and in-house development opportunities during your apprenticeship.

You will have 1 day per week dedicated to your 20% off the job training with the training provider, Exeter College. They will deliver the off-the-job training in a face-to-face style, and you will have a tutor(s) delivering learning sessions at the Future Skills Centre. From September 2026, this course runs for 12 months plus a further 3 months to complete the End Point Assessment. You will also have regular review meetings with your tutor and line manager. Alternative training providers or delivery methods may be considered to support individual learning styles.

As well as the taught content, there will be a large amount of self-study, regular assignments, exams and an end-point assessment period. You must be committed to your own development and training, as this element forms a significant aspect of a modern apprenticeship.

Please note: Before applying, we recommend you consider if the delivery method suits your learner's needs. We would also recommend you look at the information about the apprenticeship on the training provider's website, try the AAT Skill Check tool, as well as researching the requirements of an apprenticeship to help you decide whether an apprenticeship is right for you.

Training Outcome:

You will develop skills and workplace experience in this occupation, which may lead to progression to a Level 4 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship, which may then lead to a permanent position on successful completion of the full AAT qualification or the knowledge to gain employment within the wider industry.

Employer Description:

From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are.

We’re a force for good - focusing on our environmental and social impact We’re experts by nature - always learning and developing to do things better We live and breathe it - putting our purpose at the heart of decision-making We’re better together - understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater We keep evolving - pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers

Working Hours :
While we value the flexibility that hybrid working offers, in line with our team charter, you’ll be expected to attend the office at least six days each month, spread throughout the month, in addition to your study day.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Number skills,Team working,Initiative,Interpersonal Skills