Ambition Wanted… University isn’t the only route to a successful career in Accountancy. If you are interested in combining your passions with a career in Accountancy, earning while you learn and avoiding university debt, then applying for one of our high-end Trainee Accountant / Tax Adviser apprenticeships might be the perfect next step for you. We want highly motivated and ambitious people to join our growing accountancy firm with offices across the North of England & Scotland. We see our trainees as the future of our firm and offer lots of different training options as your career progresses with us. We have options available in our Carlisle, Dumfries, Leeds, Newcastle and West Cumbria offices. When you are with Armstrong Watson LLP, you will be welcomed with rewarding work and a supportive learning environment to reach your full potential. We are proud to have been placed 37th amongst the Top 100 Apprenticeship employers in the UK. Our training programme brings together both in person and on the job learning as part of our high-end apprenticeship study packages. You will be paired with a current apprentice who is progressing through their studies, they will provide you with daily assistance and foster your growth, supporting your development. You will be supported over a 3 year period where you will gain a sought after, globally recognised accounting or tax qualification and establish a solid foundation for a successful career. You will be sitting within either our Business Services or Tax Compliance Teams. Whether you're preparing accounts, creating and submitting VAT returns, bookkeeping or focusing on Tax Compliance, this is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start a promising career and gain invaluable experience from industry experts. Successful completion of the full AAT or ATT qualification puts you in prime position to apply for the next stage of studies under our graduate programmes. You will be eligible for exemptions from some exams which means you will be on a fast track to become a Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser. We want candidates who demonstrate strong communication skills, who are driven to succeed with a can-do positive attitude and strong work ethic. If you have a Degree, or if you are due to graduate in 2025, please direct your application to our Graduate / Trainee Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser positions. Recruitment Process & How to Apply If you think that this is the right opportunity for you and you wish to apply, please scroll to the bottom of our advert and click Apply Now, where you will then be asked to complete our simple application form and upload a copy of your updated CV. All candidates must meet the following criteria points: Achieved a minimum of 7 GCSEs at Grade 5 (C) or above (including Maths, English and at least one Science) or a minimum of 6 National Fives (including Maths, English and at least one Science) at Grade C or above. Achieved already, or be predicted to achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS points obtained at A Level, Scottish Highers or BTEC Level 3 and above. Be at least 18 years of age or over by 31 August 2025. Closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 5 March 2025. After the above-mentioned closing date, we will be shortlisting applications based on the criteria set above. If you are successful following the initial application stages, you will be asked to complete an online assessment in order for us to assess your numerical and problem-solving ability. Should you then be successful following submission of your application and completion of the online assessment stages, you will then be invited to attend one of our Assessment Centres. The Assessment Centre will include a full competency-based interview, a paper-based exercise and a group task. Sponsorship Visas - Please note before submitting an application for the above role, we are not a registered employer and therefore are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. If you have questions, it’s no problem as we’re with you and here to support you along the way. Please contact Claire Connelly (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor) or Jess Law (Talent Acquisition Co-Ordinator) on the following email address: [email protected] The Benefits In return for your hard work helping us shape our future growth and development; we will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes: Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover (4x salary) and Income Protection Competitive Annual Leave entitlement up to 26 days, plus Bank Holidays Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year Health Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment) Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health) Paid flu jabs and eye tests Introductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client) Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to £2,500 for each referral Ongoing access to online training courses and materials Paid professional membership fees Charity of the Month Colleague of the Month Subsidised social events throughout the year In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further. When you’re with us we’re with you.