Finance & AI Graduate Apprentice (Buy It Direct)

The development programme comprises a structured 3-year programme:

Year 1 – Foundations

Build core finance and analytical skills Support delivery of month-end and core finance processes, including journals and accruals Preparation of monthly reconciliations Support the month-end and year-end close processes Support audits and compliance requirements Respond to internal and external finance queries Begin professional qualification Develop knowledge of AI tools and their application in finance

Year 2 – Development

Take ownership of key areas of the month-end close process Prepare quarterly VAT returns Analyse variances against budget and forecast, identifying key drivers Present financial results to internal stakeholders with meaningful insight Ensure balance sheet reconciliations are complete, accurate, and well-documented Support and increasingly lead elements of the budgeting and forecasting process Take ownership of key processes Support the delivery of AI/automation projects

Year 3+ – Advanced / Impact

Take full ownership of management accounts for a business unit or function Lead the month-end close process for your area, ensuring accuracy and timeliness Deliver high-quality financial reporting with clear, concise commentary for senior stakeholders Act as a key finance contact for senior stakeholders and budget holders Challenge assumptions and provide constructive financial input into plans and decisions Support and mentor junior team members or new starters. Drive and lead AI automation initiatives. Playing an active role in finance transformation and digital initiatives Lead initiatives to improve financial processes, controls, and reporting Influence business decisions through insight Act as a flexible resource within the finance team, responding to emerging priorities and opportunities Prepare for progression into a Commercial Business Partner role

Measures

Progression and Development

Successful completion of the professional CIMA qualification within the programme timeframe Achievement of agreed development milestones across the 3-year programme Application of technical learning into practical business scenarios Timeliness and accuracy of task delivery Collaboration and Influencing stakeholders Positive 360 feedback from key stakeholders on communication, responsiveness, and commercial input AI, Date & Transformation Contribution Active contribution to identifying and delivering process improvements and automation opportunities Demonstrated improvement in speed, efficiency, or accuracy of finance processes through digital solutions The percentage of AI business opportunities that are subsequently implemented

Training:

BPP apprenticeship training programmes are delivered virtually by our fully qualified and industry-experienced training team. Using their expert knowledge, we’ve purposefully built our programmes around the real-world use of modern technology, so that the skills we create can be directly applied in the workplace.

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners receive coaching, help and guidance from a dedicated team who are there to ensure they get the most from their work experience.

Training Outcome:

Potential for a permanent position on completion on apprenticeship.

Employer Description:

At Buy It Direct, we’re not your typical retailer. We’re an entrepreneurial, fast-moving e-commerce business that’s been shaking up the industry since 1999. From laptops and appliances to furniture and tech, our brands, including Laptops Direct, Furniture 123 and Appliances Direct, have built a strong reputation across the UK.

What makes us different?

Our teams are innovative, agile, and non-hierarchical, which means your ideas don’t get lost; they get heard. We move quickly, test boldly, and challenge the status quo every day.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

Skills:
Problem solving skills,Logical,Initiative,Strong motivation,Commitment,Proactive,Can-do attitude,Adaptable and resilient,Numerate,Fast-paced environment,Resilience and adaptability