Accountancy Apprenticeships & Qualifications

An accountancy apprentice day-to-day role consists of assisting in essential accounting tasks within the workplace.  

To start with, they won’t be expected to partake in complex tasks, but as their training continues, they will have more knowledge and experience to be more proactive and independent in their role.  

They’ll be helping the accounting team in tasks like data entry, bookkeeping, and managing financial records.  

While working closely with experienced accountants, apprentices will gain the valuable skills and knowledge around managing business finances, processing transactions, and producing reports that inform business decisions. 

An accountancy apprenticeship provides a comprehensive learning experience, equipping apprentices with a wide range of essential skills. Here are some key skills an accountant apprentice will develop: 

• Learning soft skills 

• Financial accounting 

• Management accounting - analysing data 

• Knowledge of taxation 

• Financial auditing 

• Financial reporting 

• Payroll management 

• IT proficiency  

By combining technical expertise with strong soft skills, accountancy apprentices are well-prepared for successful careers in finance and accounting.

Whether you're just starting out or want to boost your skills, our Level 3 and Level 4 AAT apprenticeships are built around you. We get that everyone’s path is different, so we make sure our support fits where you are right now.  

From day one, you’ll be putting what you learn straight into practice, making a real difference at work and growing your confidence along the way. 

Thinking about whether an accountancy apprenticeship is the right choice?  

If you’re the kind of person who likes getting stuck in and learning while on the job, it might be exactly what you’re looking for; imagine earning a salary while you pursue a certified qualification, without racking up any student debt! 

A major benefit of apprenticeship study is that you’ll get hands-on experience, as well as the chance to apply what you’re learning in real time. If that sounds like something you want, then an accountancy apprenticeship could be the perfect fit for you! 

Plus, here at Total People, we care about more than just ticking boxes - we genuinely want to see you succeed. With us, you’ll get all the support you need to make the most of your apprenticeship.  

We offer apprentices resources for personal and professional growth. From mentorship to career guidance, we make sure all our apprentices have access to tools that help them succeed in their roles and prepare for long-term careers.  

This includes access to our online platform, where apprentices can regularly communicate with their personal tutor. Apprentices and employers also get regular meetings with the tutor to make sure everything is on track. 

As an apprenticeship provider, our focus is to ensure apprentices get the best training available, and make sure employers are giving apprentices the right opportunities they need to grow.

Classroom-based training complements on-the-job learning. As apprentices progress, they’ll get training to acquire new skills to use in the workplace.  

Apprentices attend courses that cover the technical and theoretical aspects of accounting, such as: 

• Introduction to accounting principles 

• Bookkeeping fundamentals 

• Financial statements preparation 

• Financial reporting standards 

• Cost and management accounting 

• Taxation basics 

• Payroll processing 

• Auditing and assurance 

• Accounting software training 

• Ethics and professional conduct 

• Financial analysis 

• Business law basics 

Many employers offer permanent roles to apprentices who successfully complete their training. The transition is smooth since apprentices are already familiar with the company’s culture and processes.

Retaining an apprentice full-time benefits both the apprentice and the employer as apprentices get their foot in the door of their dream industry and employers get to recruit an employee that already understands their business. It’s a win-win! 

Accountancy apprenticeships typically lead to Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications. A Level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-levels, while a Level 4 apprenticeship is equivalent to the first year of a degree.   

However, it's important to remember that the primary focus of an apprenticeship is gaining practical experience and developing key skills.  

The qualification is a valuable asset, but the hands-on experience and knowledge gained during the apprenticeship are equally important for future career success. 

When you invest in an apprenticeship with us, you’re not just upskilling your team - you’re setting your business up for future success.  

We make it simple to boost your workforce’s skills, keeping your team sharp and ready for whatever comes next - plus, we’ll handle the administration for the  funding, so you can stay focused on what you do best: growing your business.  

With our help, your team will be future-proofed and fully prepared to tackle the ever-evolving world of finance!What guidance does Total People provide to employers looking for an accountant apprentice? 

Here at Total People, we provide comprehensive support to employers, assisting with all areas of the apprenticeship process. This includes recruiting, onboarding, and training apprentices. 

We work closely with businesses to understand their needs and ensure that apprenticeships align with organisational goals.  

This guidance helps employers maximise the benefits of apprenticeships, resulting in well-prepared and skilled accounting professionals that businesses will want to recruit post-apprenticeship.

The cost of an apprenticeship depends on your company's size: 

If your company's payroll exceeds £3 million, you'll pay an apprenticeship levy tax. This tax funds apprenticeships for your company and others. The government adds a 10% top-up to your levy contributions each month. 

For smaller companies, if your payroll is below the £3 million threshold, the government covers 95% of the apprenticeship costs, with the exact amount varying based on the specific programme.  

To encourage employers to hire apprentices, the government has lowered the minimum salary threshold for apprentices. This makes it more affordable to bring in new talent and develop skills in various industries, including HR. 

Contact us to learn more about your apprenticeship funding options or to reserve your funding. 

It’s important to make sure your accountancy apprentice is getting the best learning experience.  

Our responsibility is to support, guide and train them through their programme, but in the workplace, the employer has the responsibility to make sure they’re getting the right experience needed to develop.  

This is beneficial to the apprentice, as they can develop their skills, but also for the employer, as they get to have a well-rounded employee. 

Here are some things you can do to make sure the apprenticeship programme is beneficial to both your business and your apprentice:  

• Allow them to experience various aspects of accountancy, including financial accounting, management accounting, tax, and auditing. 

• Enable them to work on real-world projects, such as financial analysis, budgeting, and tax returns. 

• Assist them to learn from experienced accountants who can provide guidance and support. 

• Encourage them to connect with other accounting professionals to build your network. 

• Obtain access to training courses, workshops, and conferences to enhance your skills. 

• Give regular feedback to help them improve and develop. 

• Provide assistance in setting and achieving career goals. 

• Create a positive and encouraging workplace culture.

Contact us using our form and select employer enquiry. 

We will then be in touch to gather your requirements and discuss the best approach to get your vacancy live. 

On our website and on the National Apprenticeship Service’s website, Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK which is a national online recruitment system for those looking to do an apprenticeship. 

The apprenticeship recruitment process can be relatively quick, often taking a few weeks. Due to high demand, we can efficiently match you with suitable candidates and guide you through the entire process.How is the system managed? 

It’s managed by us. Once we have your information, we’ll add your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service website and monitor the number of applications. 

We’ll filter the applications based on what you’re looking for in a candidate. To comply with regulations, the applications will be sent via a secure file sharing system.

Just let us know the name of the person and we’ll arrange a meeting with you to organise their apprenticeship programme. We can help you with the process and help you apply for funding if needed.

We can always extend your closing date or re-advertise your vacancy at a later date.

You’re not under any obligation to recruit someone from the site, but if you do, you’ll have to make sure they’re signed up to an apprenticeship programme with Total People.  

In addition, we’ll promote your vacancy for free in our weekly applicant newsletter and highlight the vacancy on our homepage carousel.  We’ll also promote your vacancy on our social media channels.  

Typically, there’s a high demand for accountancy apprenticeships so we doubt you’ll be waiting too long!