At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainable business growth by examining organisations and providing financial insights.
- Company: Join KPMG, a leader in audit with a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000 - £26,250, gain professional qualifications, and enjoy dedicated study leave.
- Other info: Experience varied projects, travel opportunities, and a supportive team for your career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning and growing in a dynamic audit environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, plus 120 UCAS points from top 3 A Level grades.
Apprenticeships Audit – Apprenticeship Edinburgh Autumn 2026. Please use reference: YP2026 on your application.
Why Audit? In Audit, we support sustainable business growth by examining organisations and providing a true and fair view of their financial position. Our work helps to build public trust in organisations and the economy as a whole. The information that we provide can also help businesses to operate more efficiently and mitigate their financial risk.
Life as an Audit Apprentice: You’ll find yourself at the heart of these organisations, gaining varied experience on complex engagements. We’ll expect you to play an important role in supporting continuous improvement and audit quality, working with new technologies such as AI to analyse data and produce great work. Travel is likely for audit and because the work is seasonal, you should expect there to be busier times of the year.
Your future: Alongside your audit work, you’ll study towards a valuable professional accounting qualification, setting you up with the skills and accreditations for a successful career that could lead you to many different pathways and opportunities. We’ll give you the training and resources you need to thrive with us and reach your full potential, as well as dedicated study leave to help you achieve your qualifications. You’ll work on challenging projects alongside a supportive team, allowing you to grow professionally and handle each new audit engagement with confidence.
Program Details:
- Capability: Audit
- Program Length: 5 Years
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3/4 plus the ACA qualification or CA equivalent (Scotland locations)
Entry Requirements:
- 5 GCSEs* at A*–C or 4–9 (including English Language and Maths at Grade B or 5), or for Scotland 5 National 5 qualifications at Grades A–C (including English Language and Maths at Grade B or equivalent)
- 120 UCAS points* from your ‘top’ 3 grades, excluding General Studies under the 2017 tariff point system at A Level (300 UCAS points pre‑2017) or at Higher/Advanced Higher Level for Scotland
Key Skills: Throughout the recruitment process we will be looking to learn more about your strengths. To be successful on this programme, you will be required to demonstrate the strengths that we look for in our apprentices at KPMG.
Training and Development: The training and development of our people is critical to the future success of our business. We want all of our Apprentices to embrace a growth mindset of learning every day, which is why we have created a rich curriculum and learning community to help trainees build their skills and fulfil their potential. This ranges from an immersive induction experience through to formal training courses, leadership knowledge bites, learning journals, online courses and networking events – all aligned to our life‑long learning strategy and part of our overall student package.
In addition, as part of your KPMG Audit Apprenticeship you will complete the AAT Level 3 and 4 plus the Level 7 ACA/CA Professional Qualification. At AAT Level 3, you build a strong understanding of how to execute a range of financial activities to a high standard; at Level 4, you learn how to apply your role in a business framework. You’re given an understanding of the systems and processes used, as well as standard accounting and tax practices. The Level 7 allows you to become technically qualified by passing exams and develops your understanding of financial reporting standards, financial analysis and strategy.
The KPMG Audit Apprenticeship uses innovative technology and is delivered via a blend of online classroom live and recorded courses plus in‑centre classroom courses. This blended approach enables you to study and learn the content at a pace suited to your learning style. The structure of the AAT specific element of the programme spreads the AAT over two years of your training agreement so that you are able to build up your technical knowledge and can continuously apply what you are learning in training to your workplace experience. Then when you move onto your Level 7 qualification you will join either an ACA route or the CA route. Regardless of programme, like your Level 4, your Level 7 programme uses innovative technology and is delivered via a blend of online and in‑centre classroom courses. Both programmes are supported by a wide range of mechanisms that will be applied by your tuition provider (BPP/ICAS) and KPMG’s dedicated Early Careers Development team.
In line with our hybrid model, travel may be required to our training partners' offices; it is important that you read our guide on How to get the best out of our hybrid model.
Additional Information: Our Audit apprenticeships offer an annual salary of £24,000 - £26,250 dependent on programme and location. If you have started or obtained a degree (or equivalent) in Accountancy or similar field to the professional qualifications provided on the programme, please contact the Student Recruitment team to check your eligibility before making an application.
Audit - BrightStart Higher Apprenticeship — audit-brightstart-higher-apprenticeship employer: Apprenticeships.co.uk
KPMG is an exceptional employer for aspiring auditors, offering a dynamic apprenticeship programme in Edinburgh that combines practical experience with academic qualifications. Our supportive work culture fosters continuous learning and professional growth, providing apprentices with access to innovative technologies and dedicated study leave to excel in their AAT and ACA/CA qualifications. With a focus on teamwork and personal development, KPMG empowers you to build a rewarding career while contributing to sustainable business practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit - BrightStart Higher Apprenticeship — audit-brightstart-higher-apprenticeship
✨Get Involved with Campus Recruitment Events
Apprenticeships in banking and financial services often come through campus recruitment days. Keep an eye out for events hosted by your university or local banks, as these can be golden opportunities for us to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a great first impression.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Banking. These memberships can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities, plus, they often have dedicated sections for apprenticeships and early-career roles that can point us in the right direction.
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✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
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We think you need these skills to ace Audit - BrightStart Higher Apprenticeship — audit-brightstart-higher-apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Maths Skills:In the banking and financial services sector, being good with numbers is a must! Make sure to highlight any relevant maths qualifications or experience in your application, as well as any projects or coursework that demonstrate your analytical skills.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an apprenticeship, companies like Apprenticeships.co.uk want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, chat about why you’re interested in banking and any specific areas you’re excited to explore. Show them that you’re ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
Highlight Relevant Experience (Even If It's Limited):Whether it's a part-time job, volunteer experience, or even a school project, mention any relevant experience related to banking or finance. This could include customer service roles or any projects where you handled budgeting. We’re all about showing how you can apply your skills, even if they’re from unconventional backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of duties. Tailor it to reflect skills that appeal to financial services, like attention to detail and communication skills. Don’t forget to keep it clear and concise, showing how you’re a perfect fit for the apprenticeship at Apprenticeships.co.uk!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apprenticeships.co.uk
✨Brush Up on Financial Principles
Since you're diving into the banking and financial sector with an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with key concepts like interest rates, investment strategies, and basic financial accounting. Make sure you can share your understanding of these principles during the interview, as they'll likely pop up in practical scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In the world of banking, interviewers love to throw real-world scenarios at you. Prepare for questions that ask how you'd handle customer inquiries or solve financial challenges. Practising these types of situational responses can really showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities, both of which are essential in this field.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, what's going to set you apart is your motivation to learn and grow in the role. Be sure to express your excitement about entering the banking world and highlight any steps you've already taken to educate yourself, whether through courses, workshops, or relevant hobbies.
✨Prepare Your Questions About Company Culture
When interviewing with Apprenticeships.co.uk, don’t shy away from asking about their company culture and training programmes for apprentices. This shows that you're not only focused on the role but also interested in how you'll fit within the team, which is a major factor for your future success in the apprenticeship.
