Accounting Degree Apprenticeships

What happens in an accounting degree apprenticeship?

Lasting 3 to 5 years, a degree apprenticeship in accounting is a full-time job with an employer alongside studying for a degree at a university.

Your schedule might include four days at university during study periods or one day per week every week (with the other four at work). It varies by program, so it’s worth applying for a programme that works for you.

Some modules you may study include:

• Personal tax

• Auditing

• Financial reporting

Best of all, you’re paid a salary and there are NO tuition fees.

On completion of your accounting degree apprenticeship, you'll be awarded with a degree (Bachelors of Science). You can continue your career in accounting with 3 to 5 years of work experience on your CV.

You could even apply for a Level 7 degree apprenticeship (equivalent to a Masters degree) with the ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA to become a chartered accountant (or go down the traditional accounting graduate scheme route).

Here's what a degree apprentice at KPMG had to say about their scheme:

Is it better to do an apprenticeship or a degree in accounting?

You can walk into a career in accounting through both routes. It all depends on what works for you and the career you’re looking to get into.

University is a whole experience. Living in halls, catching freshers’ flu, hanging out at the SU and joining a society - there’s so much to love about university life.

But, a degree apprenticeship is your chance to start a job right away. You’ll learn from industry professionals and be work-ready before your degree ends. Plus, you’ll finish your degree with zero student loans. Yup, no £50,000 debt for you!

Regardless of your choice, you’ll be able to pursue the path of becoming a chartered accountant.

For more pros and cons on the choice between university and a degree apprenticeship, click below.

Here’s what this apprentice thought about their time at PwC.

Do you get paid for an accounting degree apprenticeship?

One of the best parts of a degree apprenticeship is getting paid. An apprenticeship is a full-time job, so you’ll be paid a salary for your hard work.

The average salary for a degree apprenticeship in accounting - according to apprentice-written reviews on Higherin - is £25,700 per year.

This can vary between employers and location, so it’s worth having a look around to see what’s available.

You'll also be eligible for company benefits, such as sick pay, annual leave and paid bank holidays.

How do I apply for an accounting degree apprenticeship?

Entry requirements vary between apprenticeships, but they’ll mostly look for the following:

• You must be over the age of 18.

• You must have obtained five or more GCSE's, including Maths and English.

• Have obtained two or more A Levels, BTECs or a Higher Apprenticeship.

It’s always good to remember that employers will start advertising roles between September and March. Once you’ve found the apprenticeship of your dreams, you’ll need to get an application together. This is what you’ll be doing:

A CV and cover letter

Here’s your chance to pique an employer’s interest. You’ll get to show off your skills and let an employer know why an accounting degree apprenticeship is for you. Once you’re past that stage, you’ll be invited to an interview and assessment centre.

Interview and assessment centre

They’re not as scary as they sound! But we’re here to help. You’ll likely start with a quick telephone chat to learn more about the role. You’ll then be invited to an assessment centre where you’ll take tests, get involved in group work and have an in-depth interview. We've put together some apprenticeship interview questions and answers to help you out.