bp finance apprenticeship
Enhancing your knowledge, stretching your skills and gaining real-world experience alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry
Our Finance function leads the delivery of transparent, controlled and insightful financial reporting to bp’s businesses, leadership teams and external stakeholders. Join us and study for a Level 3 qualification.
Starting salary £17,500
Sunbury on Thames
About bp
As a global energy business, we lead the world in powering a cleaner, more sustainable future. And as our business is so diverse, so are the types of people we employ: from engineers and geologists out in the field to IT professionals, research scientists, accountants, financial traders and retail workers.
Because of this, our teams come from a diverse mix of different cultures and backgrounds – so a career at bp is always going to be exciting, challenging and full of incredible opportunities.
This finance apprenticeship sits within our Accounting, Reporting & Control (ARC) function, which is a major part of bp’s global finance organisation. ARC combines technical finance skills, business knowledge and a transformation mindset to create and protect value for bp, support delivery of our net zero ambition using skilled technical acumen and of course ensure we meet our regulatory reporting requirements.
We have two different path ways for the finance apprenticeship, both offer the opportunity to:
- Apply the knowledge gained from the Level 3 qualification.
- Work with experienced finance professionals who will support and enrich your learning.
- Be part of a diverse team at the forefront of bp’s financial reporting and system of internal control.
- Use the experience and qualification as a steppingstone into a career in finance and accountancy.
Explore the two programmes below to find out more:
The apprenticeship will offer the excellent opportunity for you to study for the AAT Level 3 qualification. This level will encourage you to master complex accounting principles in both Bookkeeping and Management Accounting, and the on-the-job experience will help you gain value insight into many aspects of practical application – and ultimately support your learning.
You will study 5 modules:
- Advanced bookkeeping
- Final accounts preparation
- Management accounting: costing
- Indirect tax (IDRX)
- Advanced synoptic assessment (this also forms part of your end point assessment)
As well as ensuring full competency as an ‘assistant cccountant’, this qualification provides the foundation for progression into a number of career paths in the accounting sector including audit trainee, corporate recovery analyst, credit controller or tax accountant.
The apprenticeship will offer the excellent opportunity for you to study for the Level 3 data technician apprenticeship. The programme offers a holistic understanding of the broader commercial context, looking at the people and business skills that go hand in hand with data analysis to maximise its potential. The on-the-job experience will help you gain value insight into many aspects of practical application – and ultimately support your learning.
You will study 6 modules:
- Data fundamentals
- MS Office specialist (Excel)
- Working with data
- Data analytics and dissemination
- Visualisation tools
- Data analysis in strategic / commercial setting
As well as ensuring full competency as a ‘data technician’, this qualification provides the foundation for progression into a number of career paths in the data sector including finance data technician, finance data support, junior data analyst, junior information analyst.
What to expect
Our Finance function has three main disciplines: control and assurance, technical accounting and external reporting. It also houses our Treasury Finance function. The roles are hosted jointly by our control and technical accounting organisation, but there will be opportunity and scope to work across all teams within ARC, gaining valuable work experience across a variety of key areas and discovering a range of opportunities – plus you’ll be working with many hugely experienced finance professionals.
We will work with you and your qualification provider to ensure you have the right balance of course based learning and on-the-job experience. It’s likely that you will work in the office for 3-4 days a week, with the remainder set aside for your studies.
So, who are we looking for?
We believe in hiring people with the right core competencies and interest, rather than specific technical experience. That’s why, when it comes to the apprenticeship, we welcome applicants from a range of academic subject backgrounds.
Most importantly, we’re looking for people who have a real passion to work in a global business. To be successful, you must have the ability to work on your own initiative but also to work co-operatively as part of a team. You’ll have a keen eye for detail, excellent written, verbal communication and numeracy skills, and the ability to plan ahead and prioritize your workload.
Business awareness, an ethical mindset, an ability to embrace change and strong problem-solving skills are also important for both roles.
Recruitment process
- Online application - this is your chance to show us what motivates you.
- SJQ - a set of questions to see how you match up with bp values.
- Online tests - these will check your numerical and verbal reasoning abilities.
- On-demand video interview – a motivation and values-based interview.
- Assessment centre - a combination of a group and individual exercises.
- Offer and feedback - a firm offer or guidance on how to succeed next time.
Requirements
To apply, you must be aged 18 or over at the start of the programme in September 2022.
If you’re studying A-levels or completing further education, you must be due to complete your qualification/s in 2022 (we’re unable to progress applications for students who will be part way through their studies when the programme starts).
You'll also need to have:
- 5 GCSEs grade A – C to include English and Maths (9 – 4 on the new grading system) or equivalent.
This programme is designed for school leavers and other individuals who do not have a degree. If you’re studying or have a degree, please apply to our student and graduate opportunities.
The opportunity will be based at our offices in Sunbury-on-Thames.
Details of any travel required as part of your apprenticeship will be clarified during the selection process. We’re happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require.