Modern Apprentice – Business Administration, Finance & Operations

Job purpose: Job purpose

To provide operational, financial and administrative support to the business, working closely with the Director while undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration.

The role combines practical, hands-on processing with structured learning, offering the opportunity to develop skills in bookkeeping, finance, customs and business operations.

The successful candidate will gradually take ownership of routine tasks as their knowledge and confidence develop, building a foundation for a longer-term career in finance and operations.

What will I learn? Key responsibilities

Finance and bookkeeping

• Assist with processing supplier invoices and maintaining accurate accounts payable records.

• Organise financial documentation and supporting records, identifying missing information or discrepancies.

• Learn how supplier accounts, bookkeeping systems and financial transactions are managed.

• Assist with maintaining financial records and develop an understanding of VAT, reconciliations and financial controls.

Customs and imports

• Learn the customs procedures relevant to Tangram’s imports.

• Assist with organising commercial invoices, shipping documentation and customs paperwork.

• Maintain accurate import records and supporting evidence relating to customs duty, import VAT and HMRC compliance.

• Help identify missing documentation or discrepancies and escalate these for review.

Business administration and operations

• Maintain accurate electronic records, spreadsheets and business documentation.

• Assist with internal procedures, routine processing and administrative follow-up.

• Support communications with suppliers, couriers and other business contacts as required.

• Help ensure information is recorded consistently, filed correctly and readily accessible.

Learning and development

• Work towards a recognised Modern Apprenticeship qualification in Business Administration.

• Develop practical skills in bookkeeping, finance, customs procedures and business systems.

• Gradually assume responsibility for routine tasks and contribute to improving processes as experience grows.

What qualifications or qualities are required? Skills, qualifications and personal attributes

We are looking for someone at the beginning of their career who is enthusiastic, organised and keen to learn. Previous experience in finance, bookkeeping or customs is not required.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Good attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Reliability, initiative and a conscientious approach to work.

• A willingness to learn, ask questions and take on new responsibilities.

• Good organisational and communication skills.

• Confidence using computers and an interest in business systems.

• Discretion and an understanding of confidentiality.

Desirable, but not essential:

• National 5 English and National 5 Maths or Applied Maths, or equivalent qualifications.

• Familiarity with Quick

Books accounting software.

• Experience using Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Excel.

Training and support will be provided. Attitude, potential and personal fit are more important than previous technical experience.

Employee ownership and working at Tangram

Tangram Furnishers is an employee-owned business. This offers the opportunity to be part of a company where employees have a shared interest in its long-term success and can contribute to its development.

We want the successful candidate to feel part of the team, understand how their work contributes to the wider business and take pride in helping the company operate efficiently. Employee ownership provides a different perspective on working life, encouraging involvement, shared responsibility and a sense of belonging.

Future development

The role is designed to develop beyond general administration. As competence grows, the apprentice will have the opportunity to take greater responsibility for routine bookkeeping, supplier accounts, financial processing and import administration.

With further training and experience, the position could progress into a broader finance and operations role within the business.