Richard Reed – Accounts Apprentice

Are you looking to kickstart your career in Accountancy?

To provide efficient, accurate and timely support to the finance function, including day-to-day bookkeeping activities, processing of accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and maintenance of accounting records. The role contributes to effective financial controls and record-keeping and supports the firm’s compliance framework (including SRA Accounts Rules processes and internal policies).

About the role

Employer: Richard Reed

Location: Richard Reed Soliciters, The Beam, Plater Way, Sunderland, SR13AD

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9 till 5 with 1 hour lunch.

Salary:£14560/£19747/£23132.20 depending upon age.

Qualification: Accounts Level 2 apprenticeship

Roles and Responsibilities

Process supplier invoices and credit notes, in accordance with firm policies and procedures.
Allocate receipts, maintain debtor records and monitor aged receivables.
Assist with credit control activities, including polite and professional follow-up with clients/customers in accordance with internal protocols.
Support the resolution of billing queries, escalating where appropriate. Post bank transactions and maintain accurate cashbook records.
Perform regular bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies promptly.
Assist with management of petty cash (where applicable), including reconciliations and controls.
Process staff expense claims in line with policy and verify supporting receipts.
Ensure correct VAT treatment (where applicable) and coding to cost centres/matters/projects as required.
Follow internal procedures designed to support compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and the firm’s COFA framework.
Maintain financial records in accordance with SRA accounts rules, data protection requirements and the firm’s retention policies.
Provide administrative support to the finance team, including filing, scanning, and responding to internal queries.
Undertake other reasonable finance-related tasks consistent with the role and business needs Maintain accurate records within accounting software including Leap and Xero.
Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Operate within defined procedures and approval limits.
May recommend payment scheduling and propose corrections to postings/coding; final approvals remain with Finance Manager.
Escalates discrepancies, control failures, suspected fraud indicators, or material errors promptly to the Finance Manager.
Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion when handling client, matter and finance-related information, including any personal data.
Ensure all such information is managed in accordance with UK GDPR requirements, internal policies and information security procedures, including secure storage and controlled access to finance records.

This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check and probationary period.

About the company

Richard Reed Solicitors is forward thinking, team centered, values driven, award winning and expanding law firm based centrally in Sunderland.

Our motto is ‘Big enough to know, small enough to care’.

We put people at the heart of our firm, with a clear, structured career‐progression framework for every role. You’ll have defined evaluation criteria, regular check-ins to support your Development Plan, and opportunities to grow-whether that means earning industry-recognised accreditations, mastering new technical skills, or honing your leadership and business-development capabilities.

Our firm was established in 1948 and has for a long time been, and continues to be, the go to Solicitors practice for both individuals and businesses seeking legal advice in and around the Sunderland area.

As a Lexcel accredited practice, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding client care and excellent quality legal services whilst offering our employees an enjoyable and supportive working environment.

Our busy and expert team cover: Family Law Wills, Trusts & Probate Dispute Resolution Corporate & Commercial Property (Residential and Commercial) Agricultural Law Employment & HR Notary Public services.

About the person

Applicants should have:

Honesty, Integrity and discretion.
Numerate Strong organisational skills and methodical working style.
Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
Customer service mindset (internal and external).
High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with ability to meet deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general accounting software.
Professional communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to liaise effectively with other people.
Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively as well as independently.
Desire to progress in a career in finance management within a law firm environment and to obtain relevant accreditation and qualifications.
AAT qualification (or studying towards) or equivalent practical experience.
Experience in a professional services environment (including legal, accountancy).
Some experience in an account’s assistant, finance assistant, or similar role.

Qualifications and Experience

GCSE minimum Grade 4/C or equivalent in Math’s and English

A Level’s would be an advantage.

Company Benefits

Regular Social Events

Employee Support Helpline 24/7

Life Insurance

Company Pension Scheme

Other things to consider

You will be attending day release sessions at Access Training on a weekly basis.

The role includes career progression for the right candidate progressing over time to management level by way of working towards Level 4 AAT qualifications and relevant accreditations.

Johnson Wright Flooring – Project Administration Apprentice

Are you looking to kickstart your career in Business Administration?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Project Administration apprentice with Johnson Wright Flooring. This will be a varied role where you’ll learn about all aspects of the business – primarily supporting with project administration but where required supporting with certain warehouse duties helping to get orders prepared and ready for customers.

About the role

Employer: Johnson Wright Flooring

Location: Johnson Wright Flooring, Arcon House, Sunderland Road, Felling, Tyne and Wear, NE10 9LQ

Hours of Work: Monday – Thursday 8 am till 5 pm, and Friday 8 am till 4 pm with 1 hour lunch. 39 hours a week.

Salary: £16,224

Qualification: Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship

Roles and Responsibilities

Duties to include:

Preparing purchase orders
Competing risk assessments
Supporting with stock control within the warehouse
Preparing orders and helping to load deliveries
Supporting with projects and as you progress getting the opportunity to work on smaller projects
Respond to emails and customer contacts including telephone calls where required

As the role progresses you may:

Attend site visits
Support with larger projects and contract management
Complete pricing and estimating
Support with quantity surveying and quantification

This position is subject to an initial probation period and offers a fantastic opportunity woth an employer that looks to develop team members and promote from within.

About the company

We are an established flooring company delivering commercial projects across the UK and overseas, with a strong presence in the leisure sector.

We work on projects of all sizes, from minor repairs and maintenance works through to full refurbishments and large-scale fit-outs. We work with a wide range of clients, including main contractors, end users, maintenance companies and fit-out contractors.

About the person

Applicants should have:

Strong problem solving skills
Well organised with good attention to detail
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Good IT skills
A proactive approach to working
Able to work independently or as part of a team

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have A-C or 4-9 grades at GCSE to include Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.

Company Benefits

Wellbeing Programme

Company Pension Scheme – 5% employer contribution

On-site free parking

Refreshments provided

Other things to consider

This apprenticeship gives the opportunity for a long term career with various progression opportunities where they look to progress and promote apprentices and offer strong development opportunities.

Please ensure that you can travel to the employer for an 8am start and that you’re able to attend monthly day release sessions with Access Training on Team Valley.

This role will primarily be administrative work, but you will also be required to help out with packaging deliveries, and this will require some heavy lifting.

Custodian Total Security Services Ltd – Trainee Installation Technician

Are you looking to kickstart your career in the Fire, Emergency & Security Systems industry?

A fantastic opportunity to join Custodian Total Security Services as a Trainee Installation Technician, based at their North Shields site. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to progress within their role, and applicants should be keen to learn and have a flexible approach to their work. The purpose of the role is predominantly to work on the installation of intruder alarms, access control systems and CCTV. Full training will be provided within the workplace alongside attending weekly day release to achieve the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Level 3 Apprenticeship.

About the role

Employer: Custodian Total Security Services Limited

Location:17 East Percy Street, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE30 1DT

Hours of Work: 9 am-5.00 pm, Monday to Friday (35 hours per week with 1 hour lunch break)

Salary: £16,640

Qualification: Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Level 3 apprenticeship

Roles and Responsibilities

Duties to include:

Installing cabling / pulling through (first fix)
Drilling holes / using a cordless drill and a range of hand tools
Mounting equipment for intruder alarms, access controls and CCTV
Liaising with customers on site
Updating site paperwork
Following health & safety guidelines

Driving licence preferable for this role.
Probationary period applies.

The role will develop over time, and there is the possibility of securing a company vehicle in the future for the right candidate.

About the company

Custodian specialises in Intruder Alarms & CCTV installation & maintenance. They are based in North Shields, North Tyneside. They are a NACOSS GOLD Approved Company with more than 35 years of experience, operating throughout the North East of England and North Yorkshire.

About the person

Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
Flexible with work environment
Eager to learn new skills
Should have good IT skills
Work on own initiative

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have A-C or 4-9 grades at GCSE, including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications

Please ensure that you can travel to North Shields for a 9 am start

Please note you may be required to work at height or in small spaces due to the nature of this work.

Company Benefits

Holidays increase with service

Paid sick leave

Company Pension Scheme

On-site free parking

Other things to consider

Applicants should have good basic IT skills.

A driving licence is preferable for this role, as is access to own transport.

Please note you may be required to work at height or in small spaces due to the nature of this work.

Please ensure that you can travel to Cramlington for an 08.30 am start.

A probationary period applies.

Bayley Security Ltd – Fire & Security Technician

Are you looking to kickstart your career in the Fire, Emergency & Security Systems industry?

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for two Apprentice Security Technicians based at Bayley Security Ltd in Middlesbrough. There is an excellent opportunity to progress and grow within the company for the right candidate who is enthusiastic and keen to learn new skills.

About the role

Employer: Bayley Security Ltd

Location: 9A Bowes Road, Riverside Park Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, TS2 1LU

Hours of Work: 8 am-4.30 pm, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week with a 30-minute lunch break)

Salary: £16,640

Qualification: Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Level 3 apprenticeship

Roles and Responsibilities

The role is varied and will involve working on both the fire and security side of the business – on both installation and maintenance, and duties will include:

Carrying out 1^stfix and 2^nd fix for installation of CCTV, access control, alarm and fire systems. (pulling cables through and affixing equipment to walls)
Assist and learn the installation of security equipment and systems, including commissioning.
Use of hand tools & cordless drill
Attending routine maintenance and service calls
Fault finding
Completion of site paperwork and liaising with customers on site
Working to company procedures and following all health & safety guidelines

The successful apprentices will be required to attend day release at Access Training on Team Valley, Gateshead (this may be 1 day per week or 1 day per fortnight, depending upon the phase of the course you are in).

About the company

Established in 1981, Bayley Security Ltd is based in Middlesbrough and serves the North East. In that time, the company has developed to become one of the area’s leading installers in electronic security and fire detection systems.

Over the last 35 years, the company has gained an unrivalled reputation for installing intruder alarms, CCTV, fire alarms and access control systems. We have installed systems in every sector, including industrial, petrochemical, municipal, commercial and healthcare.

About the person

Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
Flexible with work environment
Be enthusiastic and eager to learn
Should have the ability to work on own initiative

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have A-C or 4-9 grades at GCSE, including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications

Company Benefits

Holidays increase with service

Company Pension Scheme

Healthcare insurance

Other things to consider

Please note you may be required to work at height or in small spaces due to the nature of this work.

The role will develop over time, in terms of the variety of duties.

It is desirable that applicants are interested in learning to drive in the near future.

A probationary period applies.

Argenbright Security Europe Ltd (ASEL)

Are you looking to kickstart your career in the Fire, Emergency & Security Systems industry?

Join a fast-paced, hands-on role with a growing, market-leading company specialising in Temporary Security Systems (TSS). You will travel to a variety of customer sites, supporting the installation and maintenance of temporary security solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being active, working in different locations, and developing their skills within a business that offers strong progression and career development opportunities.

About the role

Employer: Argenbright Security Europe Ltd (ASEL)

Location: Unit C, Derwenthaugh Industrial Estate, Swalwell, NE16 3BQ

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week. Monday – Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. 30 minutes for lunch.

Salary: £21,840

Qualification: Fire, Emergency & Security Systems Level 3 Apprenticeship

Roles and Responsibilities

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience while working towards a Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Apprenticeship qualification. Argenbright Security Europe Ltd (ASEL) are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic individual with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, who is eager to develop their skills and build a long-term career within the industry.

Main duties to include:

Install, set up and commission temporary outdoor security systems at customer sites across a variety of locations.
Carry out routine maintenance, inspections and fault-finding to ensure security equipment remains fully operational.
Travel to customer sites to deliver installation, servicing and support work in line with company standards and health & safety requirements.
Assist with the assembly, positioning and removal of temporary security equipment, including CCTV towers, alarms and related systems.
Conduct testing and system checks, ensuring all installations meet customer requirements and operational standards.
Maintain accurate records of installation, maintenance and repair activities.
Provide professional customer service on-site, answering queries and ensuring a positive customer experience.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver projects efficiently while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.

About the company

ASEL’s foundation is the result of the blending together of a number of well established and respected security businesses, which can collectively trace their roots back to the 1970s.

ASEL are proud to be a driving force in revolutionising the security industry. It is our goal to be a service partner, not just a provider, offering customers’ a greater range of solutions, capabilities, flexibility and choice.

At ASEL, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace where collaboration and teamwork are key and individuals can thrive.

About the person

Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
Good communication and teamwork skills
Practical and hands-on approach to work
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors when required

Qualifications and Experience

English and Mathematics GCSE A*- C/9-4 or equivalent

Progression

Excellent career progression opportunities, including moving into management roles or other areas of the business.

Other things to consider

Most work will take place outdoors. The successful candidate must be flexible with working hours to suit each job, and any overtime will be paid.

Applicants should hold a driving license or be working towards obtaining one.