Accounting Apprenticeships

What does an accounting apprentice do?

An employee from day one, you'll work full-time for a company alongside studying for professional qualifications. Best of all, you're paid a salary.

A school-leaver can start their apprenticeship from age 16, or could complete sixth form or college and start from age 18.

As an accounting apprentice, you’ll get to experience different areas of the business. You’ll learn about invoicing, payroll, taxes and get into general admin tasks like data entry. Once you’re fully qualified, expect to prepare company accounts and write up financial reports and evaluations.

Your apprenticeship will last between one and five years, depending on the level you do. Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships usually last between one and two years, with higher and degree apprenticeships lasting three to five years.

What types of accounting apprenticeships are there?

You have so many options.

Whether you’re looking to become a chartered accountant or if you want to develop your skills in tax, there’s a lot to get into. Here are some of the types of accounting apprenticeships you can do.

Here’s what one apprentice had to say about studying towards their accounting qualifications as an apprentice:

Here’s what one accounting apprentice had to say about their time at Evelyn Partners:

What GCSEs do you need for an accounting apprenticeship?

Every level of apprenticeship has a different entry requirement. We’ve listed these below:

You can easily see which types of apprenticeship are open to you. There is something for everyone, allowing all school leavers to pursue their dream career in accounting.

How much do you get paid for an accounting apprenticeship?

As an apprentice, you’ll get paid for your normal working hours and any training that’s part of your programme (including maths and english courses that you might have to take during your apprenticeship).

While your salary depends on your apprenticeship level, you’ll still get paid the National Minimum Wage. Let’s explore your potential starting salary at each level. All of these are averages based on apprentice-written reviews on Higherin:

Each company that offers apprenticeships will have its own unique starting salaries, so the above is just a guide. Some will pay less, some will pay right on the average - but many will pay more! It’s 200% worth having a look around to see what’s around.

How to apply for an accounting apprenticeship

Employers hire apprentices all year round, but it’s always good to get in early. This is usually between October and March.

Although you’ll need to be 16 to start an apprenticeship, you’ll still be able to apply when you’re 15 as long as you’re 16 by the time you’re expected to start.

Start with a cracking CV and cover letter

Even if you don’t think you have all the skills yet, it’s still a great opportunity to show off all the bits you’re good at. Do you have any hobbies? Are you part of a club that has something to do with the apprenticeship you're applying for? Great! Talk about it. Your apprenticeship cover letter is the perfect place for this.

Interview and assessment centre time

Hearing the word interview might sound scary, but we assure you, it really doesn’t have to be. You’ll start with a telephone or video interview to hear a little bit more about the apprenticeship and why you’re interested. You’ll then be invited to an assessment centre where you’ll have another interview and get into some group tasks with other candidates.