Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship.

Salary
£23,000 per annum

Contract type
Full-time apprenticeship with full support towards your AAT qualification. This is a fixed term contract starting January 2026 and ending December 2027, with the opportunity to complete the Level 2 & 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship.

Location
Balliol College, Oxford, OX1 3BJ

Department
Bursary

Reports to
College Accountant

Hours
37.5 hours per week. Whilst the normal working hours are 9am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, work outside of these hours may occasionally be required for which time-off in lieu will be granted.

This includes training one day a week at Abingdon and Witney College, initially based at their Witney campus.

Flexibility on core hours is possible and the postholder may be able to work from home one or two day a week once the probation period has passed, cover permitting.

Holiday
6 weeks (30 days), plus Bank Holidays, during a complete holiday year, five of which are taken during the Christmas period when the College is closed.

Probation period
12 months

Notice period
1 month on either side (during probation)
3 months on either side (after probation)

Balliol College

Situated in an historic site in central Oxford, Balliol has been a hub of learning and community since its foundation in 1263. As one of the larger colleges within the University of Oxford, it is home to roughly 800 students, with undergraduates making up just under half of the student body. The College also employs over 80 Fellows, 50 lecturers, and about 180 support staff, with Dame Helen Ghosh as its current Master. Beyond its walls, Balliol has an active and engaged global community of over 8,000 alumni and donors. 

Further information about the College is available at www.balliol.ox.ac.uk.  

Purpose of the Post
The Accounting Apprentice will support the College’s Bursary team while undertaking a recognised accounting qualification. This role provides hands-on experience in financial administration, bookkeeping, and accountancy within a higher education and charitable setting. The apprentice will gain practical skills in processing financial transactions, maintaining records, and supporting financial reporting, while developing their professional knowledge through study and training

Job duties and responsibilities:
Assisting with the processing of purchase invoices and supplier statement reconciliation
Supporting the reconciliation of bank accounts and other control accounts
Helping maintain accurate financial records and filing systems (digital and paper-based)
Assisting with the preparation of student and Fellows battels (charges)
Supporting the Finance team with year-end procedures and audit preparation
Undertaking routine financial queries from staff, students, and suppliers under supervision
Contributing to the preparation of management accounts and financial reports
Participating in training and development activities linked to the apprenticeship programme
Carrying out other finance-related duties as reasonably required

Person Specification – Skills & Experience

Essential

5 GCSEs A*-C/9-4 including Maths and English, or equivalent
Competence in using MS Office (Excel, Outlook)
Keen to learn all areas of accountancy, including accounting software
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong numerical and analytical skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines
A good communicator with a professional manner

Desirable
Experience of working in an office environment

Employee Benefits

• Staff meals
  A free two-course lunch is available in the Hall, when the kitchens are open.
• Pension Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)]
  This is a contributory pension scheme, with contributions from both the employee and the College. Further details are available here.
• Travel
  Interest-free ticket loans enabling the purchase of bus passes and annual rail season tickets to Oxford. Discounted travel is available on some services.
  Cycle to work scheme offering discounted rates on bicycles and accessories.
  Electric vehicle leasing scheme (salary sacrifice - eligibility criteria apply).
• Healthcare
  Free flu jabs and eye tests for computer/VDU users
  Free use of the College’s onsite gym and the University swimming pool
  Preferential rates for other University sports facilities and the Nuffield Health gym on Woodstock Road.
• University Club: 
  Free membership of the University Club, which offers food, drink and accommodation in an exclusive space for staff, postgraduates and alumni.
• Learning and personal development
  In addition to training organised by the College, resources are available from the University.
• Visitor access
  Free visitor access to the 45 colleges and halls of the University, the University’s Libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and Museums.
• Employee discounts
  Available at local and national retailers and online services using exclusive discount codes for University staff and with a TOTUM (formerly NUS) card.
• Balliol nursery 
  A day-time nursery on Rawlinson Road, subject to availability. Subsidised rates are available for Balliol staff.

Application procedure

Informal enquiries
Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation about the role should in the first instance contact the College Accountant, Dalene Claassen (dalene.classen@balliol.ox.ac.uk)

Written applications
Applications should be made by midnight on Sunday 9th November 2025 online at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers.

Interviews
Candidates selected for interview will be notified by Wednesday 19th November.
Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 24th November 2025.

Right to Work
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to supply original documentation proving that they have the right to work in the United Kingdom (UK).

Equal Opportunities
Balliol College is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to help us fulfil our duties in this regard. Applicants should let us know if they require reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process.

Data Protection
Personal data is processed in accordance with Balliol College’s Privacy Policy which is available at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy