Accounts Apprentice

Role Summary

• Responsibilities: You will contribute to the smooth running of Costello Medical’s global in-house finance operations whilst studying towards completion of the Level 3 AAT qualification
• Salary: £22,500 per annum
• Benefits: Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year, hybrid and flexible working options, generous holiday allowance, private medical insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, full funding for external training and more
• Role Type: Full-time, temporary apprenticeship
• Start Date: This role will ideally commence on Monday 12th May 2025
• Application Deadlines: The deadline for applications is Sunday 6th April 2025 with interviews taking place on a rolling basis.
• Location: This role is available in our Global Headquarters in Cambridge

About the Role

Costello Medical, with offices in the UK, US, Singapore, and China, has ambitious plans for continued and sustained growth. As a result, we are seeking an ambitious Accounts Apprentice to join our Finance team in the Cambridge office. As an Accounts Apprentice, you will work closely with various colleagues in the team, contributing to the smooth operation of our global in-house Finance function.

The successful candidate will work towards the Level 3 AAT qualification, which usually takes 15 months to complete. The apprenticeship training will be provided by First Intuition and will include classroom-based skills and development days, regular support and guidance from a dedicated skills coach, as well as access to an online learning environment. Further details about the apprenticeship can be found here: https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/programmes/level-3-assistant-accountant/

Alongside your structured apprenticeship training, you will receive on-the-job training and support from several members of our Finance team, including those who have recently completed or are pursuing their own higher-level financial qualifications.

Following completion of the apprenticeship, you could be given the opportunity to apply for a permanent position at Costello Medical with the option of further study.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting with sales ledger tasks, including preparing and sending invoices, as well as liaising with clients regarding their payments
• Supporting with purchase ledger tasks, such as processing supplier invoices and responding to payment enquiries
• Assisting with the processing of internal and recharged expenses
• Entering transactions into our financial software
• Administering petty cash across multiple currencies held by the company
• Providing ad-hoc financial administrative support to the wider company as needed

Hybrid Working Policy: We believe that having face-to-face time in the office holds many benefits and is central to ensuring that the community we have created, where people have a workplace they belong to and feel part of, is never lost. At the same time, we recognise that homeworking can improve work life balance, reduce commuting times and costs, and provide the opportunity to juggle personal commitments.

Therefore, we offer flexible working arrangements that allow our colleagues who have passed probation to work from home up to half their time, measured across a 2-week rolling period. During your probationary period (normally the first 6 months of the role), you will be able to work from home 1 day per week.

Career Profile

We offer many opportunities for personal and professional development at Costello Medical. Please click below to read a first-hand account from our colleague Gallia Goddard about her time with the company: Gallia Goddard | Costello Medical

About Costello Medical

Costello Medical is a rapidly growing global healthcare agency specialising in medical communications, market access and health economic and outcomes research. We work with a wide range of clients, including the industry’s most successful pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, patient and public health bodies and charitable organisations. We have been listed on the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list since 2017, as well as receiving B Corporation Accreditation in 2022. Please click here to learn more about us, our work and our mission: https://www.costellomedical.com/ 

About You

We are seeking a proactive individual eager to embrace new challenges with a friendly, positive, and ‘can-do’ attitude. You will also value the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge through formal training, while building professional experience in a dynamic and fast-paced office environment.

This role requires strong organisational skills and a commitment to balancing professional and academic responsibilities. Therefore, managing your own time effectively and maintaining focus will be essential for success in this apprenticeship.

Essential requirements for the role are:

• Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Maths and English. A-levels would also be an advantage
• Excellent numerical skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• The ability to prioritise your work and study time effectively, adapting to changing deadlines as needed
• Excellent written and spoken English, with the confidence to communicate information clearly and concisely
• Self-motivation, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow your skills and knowledge in a fast-paced office environment
• A genuine interest in learning about in-house finance and a desire to pursue a career in the financial sector
• A friendly and approachable demeanour, with a dedication to providing excellent customer service both internally and externally

Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite is desirable but not essential for this apprenticeship, as full training will be provided.

What We Offer

Alongside our award-winning company culture, where every team member is celebrated, respected, and has their voice heard, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• A salary of £22,500 per annum
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank and public holidays, as well as a holiday buy and sell scheme
• Flexible working hours and the chance to work from home for up to half of your working time after passing probation
• Flexible benefits scheme offering cash payments, additional pension contributions and more
• Private Medical Insurance which offers comprehensive cover on a “medical history disregard” basis
• Paid study leave and funding for external qualifications
• Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection and Life Assurance
• Paid and unpaid sabbaticals based on length of service

Please click here to learn about our full reward package and the other benefits of working for Costello Medical: https://www.costellomedical.com/careers/benefits-package-in-the-uk/

The Application Process

You are required to submit your CV and a cover letter via our online application form. In your cover letter, you must explain why you think you would be suited to the role and why you would like to join Costello Medical, with examples to support both. Your CV should clearly state the dates of all qualifications and grades achieved where applicable.

Our recruitment process includes a telephone interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team, followed by an assessment for you to complete in your own time. If successful, you will be invited to an interview with senior members of our Finance and wider Operations teams. Our standard recruitment process typically lasts around 2 to 3 weeks, however this can be adapted if necessary.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and, throughout the recruitment process, there are a number of reasonable adjustments we can provide. Please click here to learn more.

Please note that, whilst we embrace AI to innovate and improve processes, your role may involve confidential data that cannot be uploaded to AI. Therefore, it is important for us to assess your own skills and abilities, so we recommend that you do not rely solely on this technology to generate any application materials.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that this role does not meet the eligibility criteria for visa sponsorship, and you will therefore need the right to work in the UK independently from the company.