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.

About Armstrong Watson

Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double its turnover by 2030 through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent and the selective acquisition of like-minded firms. The firm aims to become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK, defined by exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships and absolute reliability.

The Role

Start Ahead is an Early Careers pathway for ambitious students who want to earn, learn and build a respected professional career from day one. This is a structured six-year Level 7 Chartered Pathway Programme, commencing in September 2027. It offers real experience, fully funded globally recognised professional qualifications, a full salary, and a clear route towards Level 7 professional qualification (master's degree equivalent).

You will work with real 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.

Armstrong Watson has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in 2025 and 2026 and a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer for five consecutive years.

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.

With either pathway, you may gain experience in areas such as Corporate Finance and Financial Advisory.

Programme Life

• The first two years focus on developing strong technical and professional foundations through structured learning and qualifications.
• After the initial two years, you will build broader experience through placements in one of the 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 UK driving licence. 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, training providers, and the wider Armstrong Watson team.

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 solution-oriented approach.
• Embracing learning, growth, and contribution to team success.
• A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to go beyond expectations.
• 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 (or equivalent), 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 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 2027 onwards.
• Successful candidates will join in September 2027.
• Full participation is required during the first few weeks; annual leave cannot be authorised during this period.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with progressive increases.
• Fully funded professional qualifications.
• Paid study leave and training support.
• Structured development programme (technical and professional skills).
• 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.