Accounting apprenticeships

An accounting apprenticeship is the perfect way to gain a recognised accountancy qualification, learn on the job, and earn a wage - explore the leading bodies that regulate these programmes

Accountancy is a highly skilled profession where formal qualifications play a vital role. Therefore, an apprenticeship that combines work with study is an appealing option. Apprenticeships can also offer a fast track to chartered accountant status.

Depending on the level of apprenticeship and the job role, you could be involved in a range of financial activities, from managing bills and expenses to payroll and taxes.

Types of accounting apprenticeships

There are three levels of apprenticeship, each allowing you to train for different finance roles:

• Intermediate (Level 2) - equivalent to GCSEs, includes accounts assistant/clerk, cashier, finance assistant and sales ledger clerk.
• Advanced (Level 3) - equivalent to A-level, this covers assistant accountant and trainee accounting technician roles.
• Higher (Levels 4-7)/degree (Levels 6 and 7) - higher apprenticeships are equivalent to foundation degree and above, with accounting degree apprenticeships providing an opportunity to gain a full Bachelors or Masters degree. You could work as an accounts manager or accounts technician.

See GOV.UK - Become an apprentice for more general information.

You can also discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.

Benefits of accounting apprenticeships

• Earn a wage while achieving a qualification - this will result in either a fast-track to a degree or higher apprenticeship that provides you with several career options. Consider should I go to university or do an apprenticeship?
• Develop in-demand skills and gain on-the-job experience - you'll get to hone technical and numerical skills such as spreadsheet proficiency and data analysis while picking up soft skills like attention to detail and problem-solving.
• Help you change careers - as you can do an apprenticeship at any age, and many can be studied online and fitted around your other commitments, they've proved very popular with career changers.
• Progress your career - by moving through the different qualification levels, you can build your expertise and advance your career. You'll also grow your network of accounting and finance professionals.

5 options for an accounting apprenticeship

AAT apprenticeships

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) offers the following apprenticeships:

• Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 2)
• Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship (Level 3)
• Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship (Level 4).

Its Level 3 and Level 4 Diplomas in Accounting allow apprentices to study towards a globally recognised qualification.

The AAT Diploma in Accounting is expected to take around a year to complete, although it's possible to do so in as little as six months. The Diploma in Professional Accounting usually takes between 12 and 18 months.

If you're 16 or older and aren't in full-time education, you'll be able to apply for an AAT accounting apprenticeship.

As an apprentice, you'll need to work a minimum of 30 hours per week, and you'll receive the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or higher. The average weekly wage is £170, and you'll also receive a holiday allowance. By completing the professional level qualification, you can expect to earn around £24,500.

Once you begin your apprenticeship, you'll register as an AAT student where you'll be given the necessary study materials and support to kick-start your accountancy career.

As one of the 'big four' professional services firms, KPMG has embraced AAT qualifications for its five-year KPMG360° Consulting Apprenticeship for school and college leavers.

They typically expect apprentices to hold the following qualifications (or equivalent):

• five GCSEs at 4-9 (A*-C), including 5 (B) in maths and English language
• 120 UCAS Tariff points from your top three grades at A-level (excluding general studies).

Once accepted onto the degree apprenticeship, you'll progress from the AAT Level 4 Junior Management Consultant Apprenticeship (two years) to a Level 7 professional qualification (final three years), such as the ACA, depending on your chosen business area.

ACCA apprenticeships

The accounting apprenticeships offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) are open to school leavers and graduates alike.

It takes at least 12 months to complete the Level 4 ACCA Accounting Technician Apprenticeship and achieve the Diploma in Accounting and Business.

The Level 7 ACCA Professional Accountant Apprenticeship is aligned with the full ACCA qualification, and this degree apprenticeship is expected to take about three years.

Those on an ACCA Accounting Technician Apprenticeship can expect to work in a range of industries and be given a starting salary of around £15,000. After you finish your apprenticeship, you could be earning around £25,000 as a trainee accountant.

You'll also have the chance to study for the MSc Professional Accountancy from the University of London.

By attaining the professional ACCA qualification and becoming an ACCA member, you'll be able to earn £50,000 as a newly qualified chartered accountant.

Chartered accountant apprenticeship

An accountancy apprenticeship with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) can be used as a starting point before qualifying as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

The Level 4 ICAEW Accounting Technician Apprenticeship enables you to attain the Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB). While this is a standalone qualification, it incorporates the first six exam modules of the professional ACA. It takes 18 to 24 months to complete and is equivalent to the first year of a Bachelors degree.

If you've already decided on a career in accounting and are aiming to complete the full ACA, the Level 7 ICAEW Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship allows you to gain advanced business knowledge as well as leadership and communication skills.

By completing this Masters-level degree apprenticeship within 36 to 48 months, you'll be on your way to becoming a fully qualified chartered accountant.

Apprentices on both programmes will be allocated time away from the office for study and to sit exams.

In terms of entry requirements, these are determined by the employer, but you'll need a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English - plus two A-levels (A*-E) - if you're looking to go down the Level 7 route.

For example, to gain entry onto accountancy and business advisory firm BDO's Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme, you'll need grades 9-4 in GCSE maths and English, plus three A-levels at A*-C (or equivalent).

This four-year apprenticeship allows you to achieve the ACA, if you're based at one of their English offices, or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland's (ICAS) chartered accountant (CA) qualification, for those working in Scotland.

Read more about the school leaver apprenticeships available at BDO.

CIMA apprenticeships

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has developed the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship for school leavers and those looking to upskill, as well as the Level 7 Accountancy/Taxation Professional Apprenticeship.

For the entry-level CIMA apprenticeship, you'll study the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (CIMA Cert BA), providing you with the key finance and business skills to become a management accountant.

Even if you're already on your way to finishing university, and have just a basic knowledge of management accounting, you could consider the CIMA Professional Qualification, a globally recognised award, which can lead to becoming a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

Many leading recruiters offer CIMA degree apprenticeships, including:

• Amazon
• BAE Systems
• Jaguar Land Rover

For instance, Jaguar Land Rover's four-year Level 7 finance programme, based in the West Midlands, supports apprentices as they work towards achieving CGMA status while earning a salary of £26,092 (2025).

Actuarial apprenticeships

If you've a passion for maths, data and analytics, you might wish to pursue a career as an actuarial analyst in the financial sector.

Endorsed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and available through BPP, the Level 4 Actuarial Technician Apprenticeship provides an entry-level route into the profession. This apprenticeship lasts for two to three years.

BPP also oversee a 45-month Level 7 Actuary Apprenticeship leading to the IFoA Actuary designation.

To join this degree apprenticeship, you'll typically need a degree in a numerate subject such as maths, economics or statistics. However, if you hold a grade B or above in A-level maths, you may still be considered. Those who've completed the Level 4 apprenticeship may also be eligible for entry.

Find out more

• Discover the top UK banking apprenticeships.
• Explore accounting courses and professional qualifications.
• Read about becoming an accountant.