Accountancy Apprenticeships
Accounting and accountancy apprenticeships let you earn while you train towards recognised qualifications, from the Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant to the Level 7 Accountancy or Taxation Professional. Programmes run from 9 months to around 36 months depending on the level. Employers pay for the training from their levy account or through government co-investment (apprentices aged 16 to 24 are fully funded, and for those aged 25 or over the government pays 95% and the employer 5%), and there is no training cost to the learner.
Compare Accountancy programmes
Every programme below is paid for through the levy or government co-investment. Pick by level and format, then read the full page.
| Programme | Level | Format | Duration | Best suited to | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts or Finance Assistant | Level 2 | Full apprenticeship | 9 Months | Aspiring finance assistants and junior bookkeepers | View the Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship |
| Assistant Accountant | Level 3 | Full apprenticeship | 12 Months | Assistant accountant and finance officer roles | View the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship |
| Professional Accounting Technician | Level 4 | Full apprenticeship | 12 - 15 Months | Senior bookkeeper and accounting technician roles | View the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship |
| Accountancy or taxation professional | Level 7 | Full apprenticeship | 36 Months | Chartered accountant and finance manager roles | View the Level 7 Accountancy or taxation professional apprenticeship |
What is an Accountancy Apprenticeship?
An Accountancy apprenticeship is a structured training programme combining work-based learning with academic instruction. Programmes run from around 9 months at Level 2 to around 36 months at Level 7, leading to recognised professional qualifications such as AAT.
They are designed for individuals who want to develop practical financial skills, managing ledgers, preparing statements, and ensuring strict regulatory compliance within a business environment.
Why Accountancy Skills Matter for Businesses
Accurate financial control is fundamental to the stability and commercial viability of any business. Professional accountancy skills ensure clear cashflow visibility, accurate reporting, and adherence to complex tax regulations.
By developing internal accountancy capability, companies improve financial forecasting, tighten expenditure controls, and ensure all statutory compliance obligations are met securely.
Discover Accountancy Apprenticeships
Learn how our accountancy apprenticeship programmes equip you with the practical skills needed to thrive in any finance team. From double-entry bookkeeping to advanced financial reporting.
Video Transcript & Summary▼
In this video, we cover the essentials of the Accountancy apprenticeship at Solveway. You'll learn about the structure, the modules, and how it prepares you for real-world scenarios in finance...
Available Accountancy Programmes
Choose from four full apprenticeship programmes at Levels 2 to 7, all paid for through the apprenticeship levy or government co-investment.
Full Apprenticeship Programmes
12–15 months
Accounts or Finance Assistant
Start your finance career with the Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 (ST0608). Gain a solid foundation in double-entry bookkeeping, financial administration, and ethical standards. Ideal for aspiring Finance Assistants and Junior Bookkeepers.
Assistant Accountant
Progress your financial expertise with the Assistant Accountant Level 3 (ST0002). Master complex accounting tasks, VAT returns, and final accounts preparation. This programme fast-tracks you into roles like Assistant Accountant and Finance Officer.
Professional Accounting Technician
Specialise in technical finance with the Professional Accounting Technician Level 4 (ST0003). Gain advanced skills in drafting financial statements, tax compliance, and auditing. Leads to roles like Senior Bookkeeper and Accounting Technician.
Accountancy or taxation professional
Achieve expert status with the master's-level Accountancy Professional Level 7 (ST0001). Develop strategic financial leadership and advanced technical expertise. This programme prepares you for senior roles including Chartered Accountant and Finance Manager.
Trusted by leading employers
What Skills Apprentices Learn
- Double-entry bookkeeping and ledger maintenance
- Financial reporting and periodic statement preparation
- Management accounts and budget variance analysis
- Value Added Tax (VAT) and corporate tax compliance
- Accounting software and ethical financial governance
- Payroll processing and routine financial audits
Who These Apprenticeships Are For
For Employers
These apprenticeships are ideal for employers aiming to upskill existing finance administrators, reduce reliance on external accountants, or build a dedicated internal finance team.
They provide a highly structured and regulated route to improving the quality and reliability of internal financial operations.
For Learners
Accountancy apprenticeships are suitable for school leavers, career changers, and individuals progressing into dedicated analytical or financial roles.
Typical career outcomes include becoming an Accounts Assistant, Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant, or Trainee Management Accountant.
Funding and Duration
Employers: read our apprenticeship funding and levy guidance for employers for the rules by employer type and apprentice age.
- Training costs are funded through the apprenticeship levy for larger employers.
- Non-levy paying businesses can access 95% to 100% government funding via co-investment schemes.
- There is no training cost for the learner.
- Programme length depends on the level: around 9 months at Level 2, 12 months at Level 3, 12 to 15 months at Level 4 and around 36 months at Level 7, each ending with an End-Point Assessment (EPA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Our accountancy apprenticeships run from Level 2 to Level 7. Levels 2 to 4 align with AAT qualifications, and Level 7 is the Accountancy or Taxation Professional standard.
Prior accountancy experience is not necessary for entry-level roles, but strong numeracy skills and high attention to detail are critical requirements.
If you pay the apprenticeship levy, training is paid from your levy account. If you do not, apprentices aged 16 to 24 are fully funded, and for those aged 25 or over the government pays 95% of the cost and you pay 5%.
Durations vary by level: around 9 months at Level 2, 12 months at Level 3, 12 to 15 months at Level 4 and around 36 months at Level 7, each ending with an End-Point Assessment.
Apprenticeships can commence at several points throughout the year, traditionally aligned with professional exam schedules and employer needs.
Speak to our team about Accountancy apprenticeships
Whether you are looking to upskill your workforce or start a new career in Accountancy, our specialist team is ready to help.