Graduate Apprentice Accountant

This application requires candidates to submit a CV and a supporting statement. Please ensure you have these prepared before continuing with your application. Your full employment history, qualifications, and details of how you meet the essential criteria for this post are required.

The Role

SBHA are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a busy Finance team whilst working towards an Accountancy qualification to Masters degree level.

Salary

In line with the Real Living Wage (currently £13.45 per hour)

Location

Selkirk, Scottish Borders

Contract

Fixed term for 5 years of apprenticeship, with the prospect of a permanent position upon completion

Hours

Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Closing Date

18 August 2026

Interview

27 August 2026

You will be employed full time by SBHA while studying one day per week with Edinburgh Napier University towards a degree programme in Accountancy. Over the five-year apprenticeship, the postholder will gain broad, practical finance experience within SBHA’s Finance Department while working towards becoming fully qualified with ACCA and completing a Masters in Accountancy from Edinburgh Napier University. SBHA may continue your employment upon successful completion of your apprenticeship; this will be dependent on the requirements of the department. The successful candidate must be able to register with Napier University in person by 25 September 2026, at the latest.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of accurate and timely financial information, including management accounts, budget monitoring reports and financial analysis.
• Assist with transaction processing, reconciliations, journals and month-end routines.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Assist with purchase ledger, sales ledger, rent accounting, treasury, payroll-related finance processes and other core finance activities as required.
• Support budget holders by helping to provide clear financial information and responding to routine queries.
• Assist with year-end work, audit preparation and the provision of information to internal and external auditors.
• Develop knowledge of financial controls, governance, regulatory requirements and best practice within a social housing environment.
• Use finance systems, spreadsheets and reporting tools to process, analyse and present financial information.
• Participate in process improvement activity, including helping to streamline finance procedures and improve the quality of reporting.
• Maintain accurate records and handle financial information confidentially and professionally.
• Take responsibility for completing university coursework, ACCA-related requirements and work-based learning evidence within agreed timescales.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Must meet the standard entry requirements for the ACCA Course at Napier University, 4 Highers at Grade B, B, C, C (including Maths and English)
• Good numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to ask questions and seek support when needed.
• Accuracy and attention to detail when working with financial information
• Ability to organise workload, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and build constructive working relationships.
• Willingness to develop strong spreadsheet and finance system skills

Desirable

• Previous work experience, volunteering or study related to finance, business, customer service or administration.
• Awareness of the role of finance in supporting good decision-making and strong organisational governance.
• Awareness of Social Housing and Scottish Borders Housing Association
• Good IT skills, able to use Word, Excel and Email.

Working at SBHA

Being part of the SBHA team, you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, stability of employment and a good pension scheme. You will be part of a team that is interested in your wellbeing and development, and work in an environment where you can flourish.

If you are interested in working for SBHA and being part of a team providing a first-class service to the Association’s owned homes and properties in the area, please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Note: Scottish Borders Housing Association is not a licensed sponsor under the appropriate UK Government regulations and as such, does not invite applications from, nor engage in sponsoring, oversees applicants who do not already have the right to live and/or work in the UK. The Association will not engage in any enquiries or enter into negotiations from individuals or agents in this regard.