At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with wildlife charities, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We currently have an exciting opportunity available for a Finance Apprentice to join our team working in Exeter. We strongly value long-term professional development – you’ll have the chance to complete the AAT levels 2-4 (foundation degree equivalent). To help you achieve this, we’ll guarantee you one day a week to study the qualifications, and you’ll be supported by management with opportunities to showcase what you’ve learnt.
Once you’re AAT-qualified, there will be opportunities to apply for our Chartered Accountancy programme, as part of a competitive process, which works towards a level 7 Apprenticeship (Master’s degree equivalent) to eventually achieve chartered accountant status.
You will join us on a full-time contract and in return, you will receive a starting salary of £17,782 *pending 2025 pay review*.
About the role:
- You will have the opportunity to work within key areas of the Finance function within South West Water, Bristol Water and our parent company Pennon Group PLC, as part of a series of 6-month rotational posts alongside existing apprentices.
- Internal Audit, who ensure we’re doing things in the right way, every time
- Financial control, who produce the company’s financial results and monthly statements
- R2R - Capital Finance, who manage the governance and reporting of our planned future spending
- R2R - Operational Finance, who manage the governance and reporting of our day to day expenditure.
- Transactional Services, consisting of:
- - Payables, who ensure invoices are processed and payments made in a timely and accurate fashion;
- - Sales Ledger, who raise invoices and allocate income appropriately;
- · Regulatory Finance. who prepare and provide financial data to our regulator Ofwat.
The areas you’ll rotate through are:
What you'll be doing
- Within the Apprenticeship programme, you will train alongside skilled professionals, taking on their expertise to apply in your own career whilst also achieving nationally recognised qualifications.
What's in it for you:
- This isn’t just a job, this is a career; the opportunities to develop and grow your career with us are endless. Alongside ongoing training and development opportunities we offer some great benefits:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary bonus scheme
- Competitive contributory pension
- Company Sharesave scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts via Perkbox
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
What we'd like from you:
- 5 GCSEs at grade 6/grade B or above, including Maths and English (essential)
- 3 A Levels (Or Equivalent)
- Good general IT skills, including Microsoft Office
- Methodical and consistent approach to work
- Good problem-solving skills
- Enthusiasm and desire to learn new skills
- Eager to study and develop, both personally and professionally
- Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Applications for these roles will close on Friday 16th May.
Please be aware we are expecting successful candidates to start with the Apprenticeship from September 2025 *ability to join the business earlier*.
Top Skills
What We Do
South West Water is part of Pennon Group plc. We provide reliable, efficient and high quality drinking water and waste water services throughout Cornwall and Devon and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset. We also look after the region's bathing waters and coastline.
South West Water came into being in 1989 with the privatisation of the water industry. We inherited a water system suffering from a century of neglect but, thanks to the tireless work of our 1,300 employees, have brought the region's drinking water, sewerage systems and bathing waters into line with the stringent UK and European Union standards.
This extensive programme of environmental improvement has resulted in some of the finest bathing waters in Europe, picturesque scenery and clean rivers with stunning wildlife.
We believe that by investing in the future of our region, we are not only improving the quality of life for today's residents and visitors but are also taking responsibility for future generations.
