Level 7 Chartered Pathway Programme (Start Ahead) - Trainee Accountant

Start Ahead

Earn a salary. Gain professional qualifications. Build real experience from day one.

About Armstrong Watson

Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double its turnover by 2030, aiming to become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK. They focus on exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability.

The Role

Start Ahead is an Early Careers pathway for ambitious students seeking to earn, learn, and build a respected professional career. This is a structured six-year Level 7 Chartered Pathway Programme, commencing in September 2027.

Key aspects of the programme include:

• Real Experience: Work with real clients and learn how businesses operate.
• Professional Qualifications: Fully funded, globally recognised qualifications leading to Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser status (Level 7, Master's degree equivalent).
• Salary: Earn a full salary throughout the programme.
• Development: Progress through a clear development pathway with support from experienced colleagues, mentors, and training providers.
• Client Exposure: Gain exposure across different teams and service lines, including Business Services, Audit & Assurance, and tailored placements. Opportunities may arise in Corporate Finance and Financial Advisory.
• Location: Your home office will be in one of the regional offices: Glasgow, Carlisle, Newcastle, Leeds, or Manchester, after the initial two years. Client visits will be required.
• Driving: Willingness to learn to drive within 3 months of joining is required if you don't already hold a full UK driving licence. Access to your own vehicle will be expected after the first two years.

What You'll Gain

• A full salary while completing studies and professional exams.
• Fully funded globally recognised professional qualifications.
• Progression to a Level 7 qualification (Master's degree equivalent).
• Working towards Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser status.
• Avoidance of university debt.
• Real client experience from the start.
• Exposure across different teams and service lines.
• Development of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills.

Your Accountancy Pathway

You will study AAT Levels 3 and 4, followed by ACA, leading to Chartered Accountant status. Experience will be gained across Business Services, Audit & Assurance, and tailored placements across the firm.

Who We're Looking For

Ambitious, motivated individuals ready to learn, who care about standards, professionalism, learning, relationships, and doing work they're proud of. Previous accounting knowledge or advanced maths skills are not required.

Key attributes include:

• Energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to learn and succeed.
• Pride in work quality and striving to do the right thing.
• Building trust through actions, reliability, and professionalism.
• Confident communication and strong relationship-building skills.
• Curiosity, ownership, and a practical problem-solving approach.
• Embracing learning and contributing to team success.
• A positive, can-do attitude.
• Respect, kindness, and professionalism towards others.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 96 UCAS points from A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications (max three subjects), or Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers (max five subjects).
• A minimum of 7 GCSEs or 6 National Fives at Grade 5 (C) or above (including Maths, English, and at least one science).
• At least 18 years of age by 31 August 2027.

Note: If you have already completed a degree or are due to graduate in 2027, please apply for their Graduate Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser positions.

Sponsorship Visas

Armstrong Watson is not a registered employer and cannot offer sponsorship.

Key Dates

• Start Date: September 2027.
• Assessment Centres: Expected from late February onwards.
• Annual leave is not authorised during the first few weeks of employment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with progressive increases.
• Fully funded professional qualifications.
• Paid study leave and training support.
• Structured development programme.
• Support from colleagues, mentors, and training providers.
• 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Annual leave purchase scheme.
• Health Shield Cash Plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Paid professional subscriptions.
• Referral and reward schemes.
• Regular social events and recognition initiatives.