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.

It's a career for life: all companies and businesses need accountants to look after their financial statements. So by starting early with an apprenticeship, you'll be setting yourself up for a fulfilling career.

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:

Meet Top Employer BDO

Big enough to matter. Personal enough to care. That's how BDO sums itself up.

It's a promise of two things at once: the big opportunities you'd want from a global accounting firm, and support that means you're not just another number - making BDO a great place to start if you're weighing up your accounting career. Here's everything you need to know.

What roles can you do at BDO?

BDO properly backs early-career talent, and there's a way in for everyone. Let’s explore.

Why work for BDO?

BDO are all about seeing their people succeed, so it's important to have a culture that'll help them thrive. You'll get stuck into proper work that makes a genuine difference to growing businesses, backed by a team where your ideas matter and there's actual room to grow, whether that's into specialist areas or right up to leadership.

• They’re a Top Apprenticeship Employer

• 3,000+ people were promoted last year

• Everyone gets ten citizenship days a year to make a positive impact and support the causes and communities they care about.

What’s life actually like at BDO?

We can tell you, but their employees will show you better. From what an average day’s like to a picnic day and interviews with trainees. Here’s a real look into life at BDO.

BDO’s current opportunities

BDO’s early career roles don’t go live until September, but you don’t have to wait to get on their radar. Register your interest now, and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open.

What GCSE's 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.

If you've passed your GCSEs and are already pursuing A-Levels, you should really consider degree-level apprenticeships as an alternative to university. You can find out more in our guide to accounting degree apprenticeships.

As you can see, there is truly something for everyone. Apprenticeships allow all school, college or sixth-form leavers to pursue their dream career in accounting sooner rather than later.

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

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.