Accountancy - Blaney

Job Description

Blaney is a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery, dedicated to providing innovative solutions to farmers worldwide. With a commitment to sustainability and excellence, we strive to deliver high-quality products and exceptional service to our customers.

Position Overview: We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Higher Level Apprentice in Accountancy. This apprenticeship program offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and develop expertise in financial management and accounting within the agricultural machinery industry.

Job Description:

Assist in the preparation of financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to provide accurate and timely financial information to stakeholders.
Support the maintenance of accounting records and ledgers, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger entries, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
Assist in the analysis of financial data and performance metrics to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement, and provide recommendations to management for informed decision-making.
Support the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial plans, including monitoring actual performance against budgeted targets and providing variance analysis and explanations.
Assist in the completion of statutory financial filings, tax returns, and compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to regulatory and legal obligations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, procurement, and operations, to support financial planning and analysis activities and optimize business performance.
Adhere to accounting policies and procedures, internal controls, and best practices in financial management and reporting, promoting a culture of integrity and accountability throughout the organization.
Complete assigned coursework and training modules as part of the apprenticeship program, demonstrating continuous learning and development in accounting principles and practices.

Person Specification

Personal Specification:

Education and Qualifications: As per NRC course entry requirements

Skills and Abilities:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and interpret results to support decision-making.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping, data entry, and reconciliation processes.
Proficiency in using accounting software and tools, such as QuickBooks, SAP, or similar systems, and Microsoft Excel for financial analysis and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment, handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with ease.
Strong work ethic and commitment to personal and professional development, with a willingness to learn new skills and take on increasing levels of responsibility over time.

Experience:

Prior experience or coursework in accounting, finance, or a related field is desirable but not required.
Practical experience gained through internships, work placements, or extracurricular activities in accounting or financial roles is advantageous.

Benefits:

Competitive salary
Pension Scheme
Opportunities for career advancement and professional development program accredited by relevant industry bodies.
Hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced accounting and finance staff.
Exposure to a variety of accounting and financial processes and projects within the agricultural machinery industry

Applicable courses

Whilst you are applying to an employer through Workplus you must apply directly to the training providers to secure your place on the apprenticeship course.

AccountancyNorthern Regional College

Description

A Higher Level Apprenticeship is a work-based programme which enables you to earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised professional qualification. You will be employed for example in an accountancy practice or an organisation with a suitable accounts department. Northern Regional College will have a close relationship with your employer in mentoring you throughout your training period. The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Accountancy provides an alternative entrance route to starting your career in the accountancy and finance profession and is supported by Accounting Technicians Ireland. It is also equivalent to a Foundation Degree programme and is recognised by leading accountancy bodies.

This apprenticeship aims to provide a structured environment where you will develop the professional values, leadership, technical/functional competencies, and the personal and interpersonal attributes that define the role of an accounting technician.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship programme will allow you to start your highly-skilled career without the student debt that your university peers will have accumulated during their degree course – providing a real alternative to university.

Employer's guide: download here.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview.

The college will send out invitations to applicants, to attend the interview session.

Are you interested in employing an apprentice in accountancy?

Please email admissions@nrc.ac.uk and the Course Co-ordinator will be in touch

Modules

During Year 1, you will spend one day per week (9am-5.15pm) at the Northern Regional College (Coleraine Campus).

You will study the following the following modules:

Financial Accounting
Business Law
Taxation
Business Management

You will also complete Work Based Assessments during the course of the year.

External Exams are held in May/June and there is a resit opportunity in August. Exams are set and marked by ATI.

On successful completion of Year 1, you will progress into year 2.

Award

ATI Diploma

Validated By

ATI

Eligibility

18+ Fully Funded

Entry Criteria

Getting a Higher Apprenticeship with an employer is the same as getting a job. Following submission of your application to the college, you will be required to submit a CV. CVs are provided to employers who are seeking to employ a HLA apprentice. You will be invited to go through the employer’s recruitment process. It will be competitive and there are likely to be several people applying for each Higher Apprenticeship vacancy, so you will need to sell yourself and convince the employer that you are the right person for the role.

Candidates must be:
- At least 18 years of age and meet the minimum entry criteria set by the awarding body, Accounting Technicians Ireland. The criteria is currently 96 UCAS tariff points or CCC at A Level, grade B at GCSE level in Mathematics or Accountancy and grade C at GCSE level in English. For those over 23 years of age, relevant work experience or a recommendation from your employer is required.
- A new employee in, or about to take up a permanent remunerative employment offer, or an existing employee moving to a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development commensurate to the apprenticeship pathway. An exception may be made if an individual is already on an apprenticeship pathway at a lower level, with the HLA providing a progression route without the need to move to a new job role. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure this criteria is met.
- Employed by a company with a permanent base in Northern Ireland, have a contract of employment in place, be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer, and in receipt of the appropriate wage.
- Third country nationals, including European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss Nationals and their family members, are eligible to undertake a HLA provided they have a right to live and work in the UK. See HLA page for further details
NOTE: you may start your employment up to a maximum of 6 months prior to the commencement of your off-the-job training. The College will require a copy of your contract of employment and a wage slip to provide evidence that you are employed.

Duration

Start Date

Thursday 05 September 2024

End Date

Sunday 28 June 2026

Progression Pathway

Upon successful completion of this programme, you may be eligible to progress to full chartered accountancy status through the Chartered Accountants Ireland professional Level 7 programme. Alternatively, you will be able to use your qualification as a stepping stone to study with other professional awarding bodies i.e. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Having completed the Level 5 Diploma you may be eligible for module exemptions from other qualifications.

Work+