Apprentice Accounts Assistant

Join a creative, growing company in a hands‑on finance role owning the purchase ledger, supporting daily accounts and contributing to key projects. Perfect for someone organised with a positive “can‑do” attitude who's ready to grow and make a real impact.

What you'll do

The responsibilities below are intended to be developed progressively as the apprentice builds their knowledge, skills and confidence in the role. They are not expected to take full ownership of all areas from the outset, and appropriate training, guidance and oversight will be provided throughout their development.

The Office Manager, who currently undertakes many of these activities, will continue to work alongside the apprentice and be available to provide day-to-day advice and support as responsibilities are gradually handed over. Additional technical accounting support and guidance will be available from the company's external accountant, while the company's part-time Finance Director will also provide support and mentoring, particularly as the apprentice develops into the broader finance and project-based aspects of the role.

Purchase Ledger Responsibilities:

• Invoice Processing — Receive, validate and post supplier invoices; match to POs, check pricing, VAT and coding; resolve discrepancies.
• Payment Runs — Prepare weekly BACS payment run reports, prioritising based on terms and cashflow; issue remittances.
• Ledger Maintenance — Keep the purchase ledger accurate and up to date.
• Supplier statement reconciliations.

Bank Reconciliations:

• Perform daily bank reconciliations.

General Accounts Assistant Duties:

• Expense Processing — Check, code and post staff expenses and company credit card transactions. Own expense process.
• Sales Ledger Assistance — Support with raising invoices, allocating receipts and occasional credit control.
• Internal Controls —Ensure compliance with finance procedures.

Project Work:

Work with Amobox leadership and fractional CFO to support ad-hoc projects as required such as:

• Cost Tracking — Build and maintain Excel trackers for project spend, supplier costs and budget vs actuals.
• Data Cleansing — Clean and standardise data for reporting.
• Variance Analysis — Analyse cost variances, highlight overspend risks and flag anomalies.
• Reporting Dashboards — Create simple dashboards using pivot tables, lookups and conditional formatting.
• Process Improvement — Support automation of repetitive tasks (templates, formulas, lookup tables, reconciliations).
• Project Documentation — Maintain project folders, supplier quotes and cost approval logs.
• System Improvements.

Training

• The apprentice will be working towards the Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 apprenticeship standard including the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.
• Classroom attendance at Colchester Institute (Colchester Campus) every other week.
• Colchester Institute have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model.

After the apprenticeship

We are looking for an individual to develop and grow with the company. There is the opportunity to take on more finance responsibilities as the company grows. The role will give a good grounding in purchase ledger skills, basic accounts assistant duties as well as giving the applicant the opportunity to develop analytical skills via project work, which can be of use in future job roles.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Positive 'can do' attitude
• Keen to engage and learn
• Reliable and trustworthy

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)

Things to consider

• Based at our Great Bromley site, so you'll need your own transport due to limited public transport access.
• Previous experience working in an office or accounts environment is beneficial.

Benefits

• Access to pension scheme.
• 21 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays (to increase with tenure).
• Fully funded teambuilding event.
• Customer food tasting sessions.

About the employer

Amobox is a fast‑growing Colchester‑based creator of innovative mobile kitchens, bars, healthcare units and retail spaces. With a 30‑strong team and standout projects for major brands, it's a dynamic, design‑led company reshaping portable experiences across the UK.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Accounts or finance assistant (level 2), Legal, finance and accounting
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 35 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, with a one hour lunch break each working day.
• Start date: 9 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £18,000 a year