Finance Graduate Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship with HMRC has been a deliberate and ambitious career transition into finance. What makes it particularly valuable is the combination of real responsibility and structured learning.
Rather than purely studying finance, I've been applying it in live environments - supporting financial reporting, contributing to IFRS16 lease reviews, and working with the Fraud Investigation Service. A real variety of roles.
Coming from a background as a Headteacher, I've brough transferable strengths in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making, while rapidly developing technical finance expertise. The apprenticeship has allowed me to bridge those worlds effectively.

Financial analysis and reporting
Supporting the production and review of financial information
Analysing data to identify trends, risks, and inconsistencies
Contributing to decision-making through clear financial insight
Technical accounting work
Assisting with Asset Under Construction processes
Supporting lease review and compliance with IFRS16
Applying accounting principles in real operational contexts
Business Partnering
Working alongside operational teams
Translating financial information into accessible insights
Building relationships with non-finance stakeholders
Continuous improvement
Identifying inefficiencies in processes
Contributing to improvements in systems, workflows, or reporting
Supporting a culture of better financial management
Learning and development
Studying alongside your role to build professional finance knowledge
Applying learning immediately in the workplace
Adapting quickly across different placements

I have always been made to feel very welcome and each role has been developed to support me to be the best finance professional I can be.

I think there is always room to improve remuneration, hence the 4 stars.
I do feel that being paid to undertake the CIMA Level 7 qualification is a wonderful opportunity and I'm very grateful for the support and opportunities I've been afforded whilst working with HMRC

The beauty of an apprenticeship within HMRC is that you are developing your career the moment you walk through the door.

I've had some really supportive line managers throughout my time at HMRC. But that isn't the extent of the support I've received. There are mentoring programmes, buddying, supportive colleagues, opportunities to get involved in the wider Government Finance Function, where finance professionals across the Civil Service collaborate and grow together. The opportunities are there for you and it's important to sometimes step outside of your comfort zone and seek out those opportunities.

Having gone from Headteacher to finance graduate apprentice, I couldn't be happier with the work-life balance.
Having said that, it is important to recognise that an apprenticeship is a huge undertaking and will involve a LOT of studying: evenings and weekends. It is challenging and demoralising at times, but it is so worth it in the long run.

As with any working environment there are positives and negatives. It has been really important to me to remain curious and enthusiastic throughout my time at HMRC. It is that positivity that has helped me through the challenging times.

There are a number of HMRC/Government Finance Function networks that have been set up to support colleagues. To share experiences and help each other to develop, grow, and support each other.
I'm a member of the GFF Neurodiversity Network and, having received late diagnoses of both ASD and ADHD, they have really helped me to better understand myself and how my brain works.

Yes

HMRC bring in the tax revenue that supports the NHS, Education etc. The work we do makes a huge difference.
Not only that, I know that the support I receive has set me up to be successful in a new career. The opportunities available to me are wide ranging and I would highly recommend others to consider a career here.

I don't think I fully appreciated how challenging studying and working full time would be over a 4 year period. This may be in part down to me not asking the right questions or fully appreciating the enormity of doing a level 7 qualification at the start of a second career.