• Demonstrate an interest in building a long-term career within local government finance.

Qualifications

You must have achieved:

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
• AAT Level 2 qualification (or equivalent accounting qualification).

Applicants must have achieved all required qualifications at the point of application. Evidence of qualifications will be required prior to interview if shortlisted.

Successful completion of this apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee progression to a higher-level apprenticeship or permanent position.

Eligibility

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon confirmation that apprenticeship funding and eligibility criteria are met, and that the applicant is accepted onto the programme by the training provider.

Apprenticeship funding rules may restrict eligibility for applicants who already hold qualifications at the same level or higher in accounting, finance or a closely related subject. Eligibility will be assessed in line with current Government funding rules and training provider requirements.

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.

View: Job Description and Employee Specification [https://go.walsall.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-08/RT01026 Finance Apprentice JDES.pdf]

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 6th September 2026

Interviews will be split into 2 stages for shortlisted applicants:

Stage 1 - will consist of a virtual pre-screening interview conducted via Microsoft Teams, will take place week commencing 21st September 2026 (likely Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd). If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend Stage 2.

Stage 2 – will be a face to face interview within the Civic Centre. This stage will consist of a short test followed by an interview. These interviews will be held week commencing 30th September 2026 (likely Wednesday 30th & Thursday 1st Oct).

Please note that, once confirmed, interview dates will be fixed and we will be unable to rearrange them.

Previous apprenticeship vacancies have attracted significant interest and may close early if a high volume of applications is received. Early application is therefore encouraged.

For more information please contact Rowena Hawkins Rowena.Hawkins@walsall.gov.uk

Information for applicants

Applications are invited using our online application form only. If you have a disability and require information on submitting an application in another format then please contact us via email: recruitment@walsall.gov.uk

Important note: as you progress through the online application form you will be asked to upload a supporting statement. DO NOT UPLOAD YOUR CV. You should upload a statement detailing how your aptitudes meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. CV’s will not be accepted.

All correspondence will be via email, therefore candidates should check their email and WMJobs account on a regular basis after submitting an application.

Benefits

Here at Walsall, we want to attract the best talent. That's why - as well as a satisfying and rewarding job - we offer a range of attractive benefits [https://go.walsall.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers-/benefits-of-working-for-us]. Working arrangements in most jobs are flexible (you may work flexitime, full or part time and job sharing is usually available) and you can expect generous holiday entitlements, a first class pension scheme and plenty of opportunities for training and personal development.

Living in Walsall

Part of the Black Country, famous for its enterprising and industrial past, Walsall is reinventing itself to become a progressive modern community. The borough is centred around the major town of Walsall, but also includes five smaller and distinctive district centres (Bloxwich, Aldridge, Willenhall, Darlaston and Brownhills), together with numerous villages.

Walsall Council is committed to Safer Recruitment. To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce.

Social Work Matters - Children's Social Worker Recruitment

Some of our children require a special kind of support: yours. Visit our microsite [https://go.walsall.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/social-work-recruitment] to find out more about joining Walsall Council as a Children's Social Worker.