Money doesn’t make the world go round – accountants do.
After all, they’re the ones crunching the numbers and sailing the financial ship. Dealing with money is a high-pressure, high-stakes business, but the payoff can be extremely rewarding mentally and financially.
Whether you’re interesting in the world of big banking or want to open your own small accounting firm, an apprenticeship can get you there.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most competitive accounting apprenticeships to get you inspired for your future.
Apprenticeships in accounting
Accountant
You guessed it. Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring that finances are accurate and that taxes are paid on time. Daily tasks include reviewing accounts, posting reports and suggesting ways to improve profits.
Forensic accountant
Forensic accountants are the detectives of the finance industry. They investigate fraud, money laundering and other illegal activities, meaning they’re also up-to-date with legal procedures on top of their financial knowledge.
Financial advisor
Financial advisors look after people’s money and help them make decisions on what to do with their cash. This could include suggesting investment opportunities, tax strategies and insurance options. It’s a very well-paid role that comes with a huge amount of responsibility.
Business analyst
Business analysts use data modelling techniques to monitor business performance. Technology, consulting and public sector companies benefit from these insights into their operations, which help them make decisions on risks and how changes will impact their business.
Payroll manager
Payroll managers are the people who ensure that employees get paid on time. As well as making sure payments are correct, payroll managers keep in line with tax and compliance regulations to avoid the weight of the law.
Top accounting apprenticeship providers
Here are our picks of the top 10 best accounting apprenticeships in the UK. Everyone else is applying, so what’s stopping you?
BPP
National education provider BPP offers accountancy and tax apprenticeships that range from Level 3 to Level 7, helping you to qualify for a range of roles across the industry.
Tesco
During Tesco’s two-year programme, you’ll earn an awesome £23,000 while studying towards a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Professional Accounting.
Hewlett Packard
Earn a Level 3 qualification in Accounting at Hewlett Packard’s offices in Berkshire, developing financial analysis to present to HP’s senior leadership team. It’s worth noting that this position doesn’t offer remote working, so you might need to relocate.
KPMG
As one of the most recognisable businesses in the accounting industry, KPMG is a great choice to help you build the foundations for a long-term career in accounting. Applications for their apprenticeships are now closed, but keep your eyes peeled for the 2023 intake.
Morrisons
Yep, a surprise entry with another supermarket on the list. Morrisons’ apprenticeship is on-site at their Hilmore House offices and will help you gain a Level 4 CIMA qualification in accounting and taxation. Plus, you’ll have the chance to shadow a financial accountant or a finance manager to see what they do on a daily basis.
Moore
Accounting and auditing company Moore offers multiple apprenticeship programmes based in the East Midlands. The great thing about Moore is that they’ll also cover your exam and tuition costs, as well as giving you time out to study. Contact them to enquire about the programme.
L’Oreal
With L’Oreal’s 18-month scheme, you can earn £20,500 – plus, they’ll pay for your tuition. Their current Financial Apprenticeship is based in London and accepts intakes every September.
Blick Rothenberg
If you’re based in London or are happy to move there, take a look at Blick Rothenberg’s Audit, International Tax and Private Client Tax Apprenticeships. As a global financial services company, they have expert knowledge that you can absorb to further your career.
EY
You can earn a Master’s degree in accountancy and taxation with EY. That’s right – a Level 7 apprenticeship is the equivalent of a full degree, without needing to go to university. This programme is split between 20% learning and 80% on the job. Competition is hot, so apply now.
Goldman Sachs
We saved the best ’til last. Goldman Sachs is a powerhouse in the financial services industry, and you could be learning from its top teams during a degree apprenticeship in Applied Finance. You’ll be part of the Global Markets department, which covers accounting, equities, investment funding and more.
Entry requirements
Great accountants aren’t just a whizz with numbers, they are also awesome communicators with the ability to explain their findings and recommendations. As you become more senior in your role, you’ll interact closely with executives and leadership teams to report back on your company’s financial performance. For this reason, it’s a good idea to practice your presentation skills as much as your maths skills before applying to your dream role.
Extra tips
Accounting is a very competitive discipline, which is a good and bad thing. On one hand, you can rest assured that you’ll always be highly employable in a longstanding career. On the other, competition for jobs is fierce, meaning that you’ll need to do everything you can to make your CV and application stand out from the rest.
Before you begin your apprenticeship, why not look for some internship or work experience opportunities in your area? This will help you prove to employers that you have hands-on experience is a work environment, and that you are a trustworthy and reliable team member.
Create your own financially secure future with an apprenticeship
Jobs in accounting can hit £100k+ (yes, really!) and this number keeps going up. By choosing a role in this field, you’re not just guaranteeing the financial futures of your clients, but of yourself too. In this industry, you’ll never be out of work or out of pocket. While the competition is high, it’s worth the time and investment into your future, and you can start earning as soon as possible with an apprenticeship.
For other opportunities in similar disciplines, take a look at what’s hot in the finance, business and legal industries.
