Accounting & Outsourcing Rotational Programme - School Leaver Apprenticeship - Manchester

Accounting & Outsourcing Rotational Programme - School Leaver Apprenticeship - Manchester

Our AOS Rotational Programme

Our AOS Rotational Programme offers early careers apprentices the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of accounting and outsourcing services. You’ll rotate through specialist teams, working with clients from sectors including financial services, healthcare, large international groups, and privately owned businesses.

You’ll be part of a strong team operating across five UK offices, with access to a wider network of over 300 professionals in our Accounting and Outsourcing service line. This programme is designed to build your technical expertise, client relationship skills, and understanding of global finance operations.

Apprentices spend a minimum of 12 months in each department across the 4-year programme, gaining broad exposure to different areas of AOS. After completing the programme, there is the opportunity to specialise in a department based on your preference and business needs.

Departments You May Rotate Through

Accounting, Outsourcing & Advisory

• Gain experience in day-to-day accounting, management information, VAT returns, and advisory support including forecasting and finance function reviews.
• Support accounting compliance activities and learn to prepare statutory financial statements.
• Be a key contact for your client portfolio, including large mid-market clients and the financial services sector.

SME Accounting & Outsourcing

• Meet the needs of smaller clients, providing outsourced finance functions and accounting compliance.
• Gain exposure to personal and corporate tax.
• Work closely with clients and owners as one team, collaborating with financial planning teams.
• Target clients are fast-growth, entrepreneurial businesses; includes a dedicated Healthcare sector team.

International Accounting Services

• Work with global clients to deliver day-to-day and year-end accounting solutions.
• Coordinate multi-country engagements and provide interim support when clients face internal skill shortages.
• Develop specialist skills in supporting multi-country assignments.

About the Role

As an Associate Client Advisor Apprentice on the AOS Rotational Programme, you will:

• Deliver high-quality financial compliance and advisory services to UK and international clients.
• Gain exposure to statutory accounts, management accounts, VAT, payroll, and personal tax.
• Ensure accurate and timely statutory compliance and corporate governance for clients.
• Act as a point of contact for your client portfolio, providing high-quality advice and collaborating with other teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing monthly and quarterly management accounts.
• Perform day-to-day accounting duties including processing invoices, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining ledgers.
• Support preparation and submission of VAT returns and other tax documentation.
• Contribute to client onboarding, including setting up financial systems and gathering documentation.
• Participate in financial analysis and reporting to help clients understand business performance.
• Maintain accurate records in line with compliance standards.
• Collaborate with teams to identify and implement process improvements.
• Communicate professionally with clients, responding to queries and providing progress updates.
• Attend training sessions and complete apprenticeship coursework.

The programme operates in a hybrid working model, splitting time between home, office, client sites, and study for professional exams.

Who We’re Looking For

• On track or have obtained A-level, BTEC or equivalent qualifications. Strong academic performance is important, but we consider your whole experience and personal achievements.
• Deep curiosity and a naturally inquisitive mindset.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and share knowledge.
• Commitment to self-development and learning.
• Strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Positive, can-do attitude and works well under pressure.
• Enjoys engaging with people with respect for diversity, integrity, and collaboration.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Willingness to travel and adhere to a flexible working environment.

We also consider contextual factors such as socio-economic background and extenuating circumstances that may have affected results.

Learning and Development

Fully funded professional qualification: ACA

• Coaching, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance to support growth.
• Time off for study and a blended learning approach (in-person and virtual).
• Allocated a buddy to help settle in during your first year.
• Comprehensive professional development including:
  • Professional excellence
  • Client excellence
  • Digital excellence
  • Technical excellence

Our goal is to help you reach your full potential and become a standout talent.

Inclusion and Diversity

• Being inclusive is central to our culture.
• We support everyone to be their unique self and provide a level playing field.
• We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that create better outcomes for clients.

Next Steps

• Roles close as soon as the right candidates are found, so apply early.
• Start date: 1 September 2026.
• International applicants or those requiring a visa should check relevant deadlines before applying.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.