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

Start Ahead

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

The Role

Armstrong Watson is recruiting for its Level 7 Chartered Pathway Programme, a six-year programme commencing in September 2027. This programme is designed to provide real experience, fully funded professional qualifications, a full salary, and a clear route towards Level 7 professional qualification (Master's degree equivalent).

You will work with clients, learn how businesses operate, and develop technical knowledge, commercial understanding, communication skills, and professional confidence. You will be supported by experienced colleagues, mentors, and training providers.

What you'll gain

• Earn a full salary while completing studies and professional exams.
• Gain fully funded globally recognised professional qualifications.
• Progress to a Level 7 qualification, equivalent to a Master's degree.
• Work towards Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser status.
• Avoid university debt.
• Build real client experience from the start.
• Gain exposure across different teams and service lines.
• Develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills.

Your pathway

Accountancy Pathway: Study AAT Levels 3 and 4, followed by ACA, leading to Chartered Accountant status. Experience across Business Services, Audit & Assurance, and tailored placements.

Taxation Pathway: Study AAT Level 3, followed by ATT and CTA, leading to Chartered Tax Adviser status. Experience across Personal Tax, Corporate Tax, and tailored placements within other tax specialisms.

As skills grow, you may also gain experience in Corporate Finance and Financial Advisory.

Life on the programme

Your first two years will focus on developing technical and professional foundations. Following this, you will build broader experience through placements in one of our regional offices (Glasgow, Carlisle, Newcastle, Leeds, or Manchester), which will become your home office. Visiting clients on location is key; successful candidates must be willing to learn to drive within 3 months of joining if they don't already hold a full UK driving licence, and after the first two years, you'll be expected to have access to your own vehicle.

You will join a cohort of trainees and receive support from colleagues, mentors, and training providers.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 96 UCAS points from A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications (max three subjects), or from 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.
• To be 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 our Graduate Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser positions instead.

Sponsorship Visas

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

Key dates

• Assessment centres are expected to take place from late February onwards.
• Successful candidates will join in September 2027.

The Benefits

• A competitive salary with progressive increases.
• Fully funded professional qualifications.
• Paid study leave and training support.
• A structured development programme.
• Support from experienced 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.