Trainee Finance Officer

Department- Finance, Audit and Procurement
- Location(s)- Cheltenham, London
- Salary- £30,719 (London), £27,780 (Cheltenham)
- Job description**Flexible Working**: Due to the nature of the role, you’ll be required to work full time hours from the office five days per week. However, we do offer compressed hours with flexibility around start and finish times. Full time hours are up to 37 hours, depending on location.

**About Us**

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

**The Role**

Join us as a Trainee Finance Officer to take the first steps in your career, embarking on a structured learning pathway to become a valued finance professional. Over three years, you’ll achieve a recognised Finance qualification while contributing to the Finance functions of MI5. Your work will play a crucial role in delivering our organisational strategies and ensuring that public money is spent efficiently and effectively.

During the scheme you’ll receive substantial support in achieving your Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) levels 2-4, while also rotating through various exciting roles within the Finance Function.

You won’t be alone on this journey. You’ll join a cohort of other trainees, forming a supportive network. You’ll have opportunities to travel around our UK offices to collaborate with teams and build relationships with fellow Trainee Finance Officers.

In addition to your studies, you’ll gain hands-on experience in financial monthly and year-end processes, processing payments and employee claims, resolving queries, and reviewing accounting documents. You’ll also produce routine reports and summaries for management teams. This practical experience will help you develop your analytical skills and become a valuable part of our team.

Once you’ve completed your qualification, we’ll support you in taking the next steps in your career. You’ll have opportunities for promotion and the option to become a Chartered Accountant. With plenty of training and further development opportunities available, this role offers a pathway to a long-term and exciting career in finance.

**About You**

A naturally inquisitive problem solver, you’ve got a head for figures. You’ll bring a passion for developing a career in Finance and a real enthusiasm for learning. And you’re someone who thrives in a team and who loves working with, and learning from others.

You’ll share our values of integrity, respect and creativity, and our mission to have a positive impact on the UK. You don’t need to be a certain ‘type’ of person to work here - we need all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds to protect the UK.

You’ll already have GCSEs in English and maths at A-C/9-4 (or equivalent), and some experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.

**Please note that if you’ve started or already completed the AAT qualification, you won’t be eligible.**

**Training and Development**

At MI5, we’re proud to offer an inclusive and supportive working environment. We value and nurture talent, so we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential.

No matter your experience or background, you’ll get lots of dedicated support. Upon joining, you will receive an initial induction to learn more about MI5, followed by an induction to your dedicated team which will provide you with an understanding of your work. In addition to this, you will have your own study mentor, who will help you get to grips with the role and offer guidance whenever you need it.

We’re invested in your professional development and recognise the importance in your studies, so we offer 36 days of paid study leave per year for you to fully prepare for your AAT exams and get the results you want.

Besides the AAT, there are also opportunities to attend internal/external workshops that will further your learning. You’ll be a part of a community dedicated to your development.

**Rewards and Benefits**

You’ll receive a starting salary of £27,780 - £30,719 depending on location, plus other benefits including:

- 25 days’ annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service
- An additional 10.5 days’ public and privilege holidays
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
- Dedicated Development Budget
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Excellent pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
- Paid parental an