Audit Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2027

Candidates who wish to pursue a career in accountancy, working within the Audit team, are invited to apply for our structured higher apprentice training programme, which commences September 2027. Completing the AAT level 3 & 4.

What you'll do

Why choose our Audit Higher Apprenticeship Programme?

A career in our Audit department is varied, engaging and rewarding. You will work across a range of sectors, independently reviewing companies' financial information and advising clients on ways to improve their performance. Along the way, you will gain insight into different types of businesses, strengthen your commercial awareness and develop valuable professional skills. Audit also offers a stable, well-rewarded career with excellent opportunities for progression.

We are committed to supporting your learning and development throughout your career with us. As an apprentice, you will benefit from a structured programme that includes trainee away days, a dedicated training manager, a buddy and study leave. Our commitment continues beyond qualification: whether you are an apprentice or a director, our Learning Academy pathway provides an ongoing investment in your growth and future success.

During this apprenticeship, we commit time to help you build your knowledge, skills and practical experiences, providing genuine development opportunities to enable you to become a future leader

You will initially be responsible for preparing, recording and processing data within the virtual finance financial systems; maintaining spreadsheets; monthly management reporting and preparing and submitting VAT returns as a apprentice team member.

As your experience grows, so do your responsibilities, ensuring you get the most out of your training with us and are able to apply the knowledge you are learning along the way.

Training

Study will take place at one of the training centres of our training provider Kaplan. Our apprentices are given dedicated study leave for the duration of the study pathway.

Alongside the day to day duties you will also be studying for a professional qualification, the Professional Diploma in Accounting (Level 3 & 4 AAT).

The training will be a combination of on-the-job training, time off to study, attend college and complete online classes in preparation for exams. We also provide soft skills training and regular 1:1 meetings with your training manager to ensure you have all the support you need.

Apprentices without English or maths at Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) must achieve this prior to the completion of the apprenticeship.

After the apprenticeship

Apply to move on to the ACA qualification.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 5)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 5)

Things to consider

You must have the permanent right to work in the UK and have a minimum of 112 UCAS points.

About the employer

We are a top 50 accountancy firm with offices in London, St Albans, Rickmansworth and Milton Keynes. We provide our clients with accountancy and tax advice to help their businesses grow, support individuals and families, and help charities and trustees to manage their finances and comply with their obligations. Mercer & Hole recognises that people are its key assets, which makes achieving the right balance between work and home part of our culture.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Professional accounting technician (level 4), Legal, finance and accounting
• Apprenticeship level: Higher (level 4)
• Training provider: KAPLAN FINANCIAL LIMITED
• Expected duration: 2 Years
• Hours: 37.5 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm.
• Start date: 1 September 2027
• Positions available: 7
• Wage: £22,000 a year
• Other locations: Milton Keynes, MK9 1BP; Rickmansworth, WD3 1RT