Virtual Finance Apprenticeship Programme 2027

Candidates who wish to pursue a career in accountancy, working within the Virtual Finance 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 Virtual Finance Higher Apprenticeship Programme?

A Virtual Finance apprenticeship role offers a varied and exciting career. Virtual Finance involves companies outsourcing finance functions to third-party providers, such as Mercer and Hole. Finance functions include payroll, VAT returns, bookkeeping and management reporting. You will play a key part in our Virtual Finance team and, from the outset, will be responsible for preparing, recording and processing data within the financial systems, completing monthly management accounts and preparing and submitting VAT returns. This will enable you to grow into a future leader and start on a stable and lucrative career path with progression and rewarding work.

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.

What will I be doing as a Virtual Finance apprentice?

Our higher Apprenticeship Programme is designed to support your learning and development. You will work as part of the Virtual Finance team while studying the AAT Level 3 and level 4 qualification. The variety of clients we work with provides you with a well-rounded experience, and the structure of our teams allows you the opportunity to gain knowledge from and exposure to senior managers and partners throughout your training and beyond.

Structure of our Virtual Finance Higher Apprenticeship Programme?

Year 1 – In the first year you will start out by learning the fundamentals of bookkeeping, this includes:

• Posting purchase and sales invoices and bank transactions
• You will use these skills over a variety of clients, making use of software solutions to help speed up and simplify processes
• You will also learn the fundamentals of VAT
• Take on responsibility for preparing and submitting some of our smaller returns

​Year 2 – As you progress, you will start to take on more complicated work.

This will include:

• Calculating and posting month end journals (such a depreciation, accruals, and prepayments)
• Once journals are posted you will prepare the month end reporting packs and will assist with preparing a supporting commentary to go to the client
• You will also have opportunities to support junior apprentices with their queries and act as a buddy to new starters

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: 2
• Wage: £22,000 a year
• Other locations: Rickmansworth, WD3 1RT