Trainee jobs in wakefield, west yorkshire

What if you could build your accountancy career at one of the UK's leading charities while gaining a fully funded professional qualification? Imagine learning from experienced Financial Accountants while supporting work that enables life-changing impact for people affected by dementia?

About the opportunity

As Trainee Accountant, you'll play an important role in delivering a high-performing, efficient financial accounting operation with partnership and improvement at its core. This is an operational and developmental role, offered with the opportunity of pursuing a formal Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician qualification through an 18-month apprenticeship programme.

You'll be part of our Finance & Assurance directorate, reporting to the Associate Accountant and working alongside our accounting assistants and trainees. Under the guidance of experienced Financial Accountants, you'll learn and deliver the fundamentals of effective accounting. From maintaining accurate financial records and supporting account reconciliations to assisting with audits and preparing financial reports, you'll gain broad experience across core accounting activities while building your technical knowledge and professional confidence.

Your potential qualification pathway

You'll have the opportunity to enrol on a fully funded Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship programme delivered by BPP and studied in allocated time alongside your day job. This 18-month programme offers pathway options including ACCA, AAT, CIMA, or ICAEW, leading to recognised professional diplomas. This programme is delivered through online live lectures, three-monthly coaching sessions and 24/7 access to learning materials via BPP's Virtual Learning Platform.

This is a role where your success is built on strong collaboration across multiple teams. You'll have opportunities to undertake specific improvement projects, identify ways to enhance processes, and support colleagues across the organisation to operate within best practice when it comes to financial accounting.

About you:

You're someone with a willingness to learn and develop on the job, sharing your learnings with colleagues to foster whole-team development. You have an enthusiasm for a career in finance with ideas to help us constantly improve. You have strong numerical and analytical skills, and you're willing to proactively reach across to colleagues in different teams.

You'll need existing experience in a finance or bookkeeping function. This means you're already confident with fundamental bookkeeping principles, maintaining financial records, and working with basic accounting processes. You're comfortable asking questions, reaching across teams to solve problems, and sharing what you learn with colleagues.

You'll have:

- Five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A to C), including English and maths, or equivalent, or relevant work experience (minimum requirement for Level 4 apprenticeship).
- Some existing experience in finance or bookkeeping - you should have completed a Level 3 qualification or have equivalent practical experience demonstrating competence in fundamental accounting principles.
- Willingness to learn and develop on the job, sharing those learnings with colleagues.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, and awareness of basic financial principles.
- Good grasp of data and how it can be analysed and presented to improve understanding, engagement, and performance.
- Experience of developing basic financial reports.
- Working interest in quality improvement in processes, analysis, communications, or customer service, and experience supporting it.
- Experience of problem-solving, preferably in a financial environment, and willingness to proactively reach across to colleagues in different teams.
- Enthusiasm for a career in finance and ideas to help us constantly improve.
- Some existing experience in a finance or bookkeeping function would be beneficial.

What you’ll focus on:

- Supporting the Financial Accounting team and wider directorate, maintaining accurate financial records and supporting account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
- Supporting auditing processes, liaising with suppliers and third parties, and assisting with the preparation and submission of tax returns.
- Undertaking specific improvement projects across the directorate, for example around optimising internal engagement or directorate records and files.
- Monitoring and responding to daily communications from colleagues, role-modelling brilliant partnership and customer service.
- Data entry, report preparation, and supporting Financial Accountants and Associate Accountants with administrative work, including basic data analysis and presentation.
- Identifying ways to improve processes and making recommendations to senior colleagues.
- Supporting colleagues across the organisation to operate within best practice for financial accounting, making suggestions to improve education and engagement.

Could your enthusiasm for finance and quality improvement help strengthen our Financial Accounting operations? Are you ready to develop your skills while gaining professional qualifications in an environment where learning and collaboration are valued? If you're looking for a role where development meets meaningful purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

Important Dates

Please note: the intended start date for this role will be February 2026.
The deadline for applications is: 23:59 on Sunday 16th November 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a timed exercise on W/C 24th November. 
Interviews will then be held via Microsoft Teams on 3rd and 4th of December.

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a DBS check at the relevant level.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it’s like to be an employee at the Society.

This is an exciting role that will appeal to someone who is well organised, a self-starter who enjoys administrative work. You would be required to handle office tasks, mostly by email, but also by phone, and have a sound knowledge of Word, Outlook and Excel.

To fulfil this role, you will need the following knowledge, experience and attributes. A full job description is available to download from this site.

· Sympathetic to the spiritual and psychological ethos of G.A.P.

· 4-5 years’ experience in an administrative or membership coordinator role

· Proven excellent IT and organisational skills; proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook); and knowledge of Dropbox and Teams would be useful

· The ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines

· The ability and experience of working on your own initiative

· Be a multi-tasker with excellent communication skills and a ‘hands-on’ approach, with attention to detail. 

· Emotionally intelligent, discreet, and confident in handling sensitive matters

·        Self employed - the postholder is expected to keep a record of how time is spent (time sheet or activity report) and provide this with an invoice for payment at the end of each month.

Applications deadline – Friday 21st November (midday)
Please send a cover letter with your CV highlighting where your experience matches our requirements.

Please note, applications will be reviewed and suitable applicants interviewed on an ongoing basis, so please apply early as the role may close prior to the closing date if a suitable applicant is appointed

What if you could start your career in procurement at one of the UK's largest charities, learning from experienced professionals while making a real difference from day one? As a Procurement Assistant at Alzheimer's Society, you'll provide essential support that keeps our procurement function running smoothly - working with colleagues, managing critical data, and gaining hands-on experience in how procurement drives value in our mission to end the devastation caused by dementia.

About the opportunity

As a Procurement Assistant within our Finance & Assurance directorate, you'll be part of a dynamic team that's transforming how we deliver financial partnership across the organisation. We're on an ambitious journey to become the Society's single point of financial truth - trusted partners and credible experts who enable the organisation to make faster, better-informed decisions. This is where you'll build your procurement expertise while making meaningful impact, where your support enables our procurement team to focus on what matters most: transforming lives affected by dementia.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the start of their procurement career or looking to move into the field. You'll be the person who supports Procurement Officers and Business Partners to deliver their work across the Society. From major strategic projects to day-to-day operational needs. You'll handle a broad remit of work, from keeping records organised and gathering data that spots efficiency opportunities, to helping design how we communicate with colleagues across the organisation. It's a role that gives you genuine insight into procurement in action at a major charity, building knowledge and experience that will set you up for future success.

You'll also collaborate closely with other Assistants and Trainees across Finance & Assurance, bringing fresh thinking about how we can work together more seamlessly and support colleagues even better.

The Apprenticeship Opportunity

We're committed to developing our people, and we're open to supporting the successful candidate to pursue a Level 3 Procurement & Supply Assistant Apprenticeship - though this isn't essential, and we equally welcome applicants with prior experience who are looking for their next step.

This apprenticeship offers:

- Two qualifications in one – You'll gain both the apprenticeship standard qualification and Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) certification.
- Clear progression pathway – With the option to progress onto Level 4 if desired.
- Manageable timescales – The programme typically takes between 13-15 months to complete.
- Flexible start – Learners can commence the apprenticeship within 3 months of starting the role.
- Professional development – Structured learning combined with on-the-job experience.

Apprenticeship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the apprenticeship programme, you must:

- Have lived in England for the last 3 years.
- Be aged 16 or above (there is no upper age limit).
- Spend more than 50% of your time working in England.
- Not hold a higher qualification in the same subject area as the apprenticeship.

About you:
You're someone who's organised, eager to learn, and excited about building a career in procurement. You understand that great support work isn't just about completing tasks. It's about being proactive, spotting opportunities to improve processes, and helping teams work more effectively. You're comfortable with data and administration, and you're keen to understand the bigger picture of how procurement drives value.

You'll have:

- Good organisational and administrative skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage records, files and documentation accurately.
- Good numerical and analytical abilities, comfortable working with data to support reporting and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Effective communication skills, able to engage with colleagues at different levels and help them navigate procurement processes.
- Enthusiasm for learning and development, with a genuine interest in building procurement knowledge and expertise over time.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, taking initiative while also thriving as part of a team.
- Proficiency with standard IT systems and a willingness to learn finance or procurement software (existing experience with finance systems would be beneficial but not essential).

What you’ll focus on:

- Supporting Procurement Officers and Business Partners to deliver high-quality contract management and advice to colleagues across the Society, with a focus on driving efficiencies.
- Managing procurement records, files and documentation with accuracy and care, ensuring information is accessible and well-organised.
- Providing administrative support to the procurement team and wider directorate, including scheduling and minuting meetings.
- Gathering and analysing procurement data to help identify efficiency opportunities and support senior colleagues with recommendations.
- Helping colleagues across the Society navigate and understand our procurement processes through creative engagement approaches.
- Working collaboratively with other Assistants and Trainees across Finance & Assurance to address duplication, streamline administration, and improve how we support the Society.

Can you see yourself as part of the team that keeps procurement running smoothly while building valuable career experience? Are you ready to learn, contribute, and grow in a role where your support makes a real difference? Can you bring enthusiasm, organisation and a collaborative spirit to help ensure every pound is spent wisely in our mission to end the devastation of dementia?

Important Dates
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 23rd November 2025.
Interviews will take place in December 2025 and will take place virtually.

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a DBS check at the relevant level.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it’s like to be an employee at the Society.