AAT Accountant Apprentice

Summary

Are you looking to build a long‑term career in Accountancy? Then look no further! Start your career today with a level 3 with SMH BCL Accountants and Kaplan. You will be dealing with invoices, credit notes and accounts whilst working towards the AAT level 3 qualification. Please note, the salary is National Minimum Wage.

Wage

£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course Assistant accountant (level 3)

Hours Monday to Friday

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 5 January 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You\’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Candidates with A Levels (including Maths, Accounting, or Business at grade B or above) will be considered for Level 3 AAT. Job duties will include:

• Assisting managers with a portfolio of clients.
• Preparation of annual accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
• VAT Returns.
• Corporation tax returns.
• Personal tax returns.
• Partnership tax returns.
• Client Bookkeeping.
• Preparation of P11ds.

Where you’ll work

2 Pavilion Business Park, Royds Hall Road, Lower Wortley
Leeds
UK
LS12 6AJ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You\’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

KAPLAN FINANCIAL LIMITED

Training course

Assistant accountant (level 3)

What you’ll learn

Course contents

• Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries.
• Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
• Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts.
• Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
• Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
• Investigate, resolve or elevate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
• Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
• Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
• Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
• Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries.
• Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
• Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts.
• Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
• Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
• Investigate, resolve or elevate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
• Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
• Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
• Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.

Training schedule

Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Level 3 – AAT

This Level 3 programme builds on the foundations for entry level talent to support growth within an Accountancy and Finance function. Employees on this apprenticeship will ensure an Accountancy and Finance practice performs in the most effective way. It includes the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and provides the opportunity for them to support the business with essential skills and behaviours to drive results.

You will learn how to prepare financial statements for Sole Traders and Partnerships, the importance of management accounting information, and how to prepare VAT returns. You’ll develop the technical skills to start, or progress, your career in accountancy and this will allow you to continue with your studies onto Level 4.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in Basic Maths (grade 9/A* – 6/B)
• GCSE or equivalent in Standard English (grade 9/A* – 6/B)

Desirable qualifications

A Level or equivalent in:

Relevant (grade A-C)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

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

Other requirements

Candidates with A Levels (including Maths, Accounting, or Business at grade B or above) will be considered for Level 3 AAT. Please note, the salary is National Minimum Wage. Benefits include: 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays. Health Cash Plan (Level 1). Life Assurance. Company pension. Working hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm

About this employer

The SMH Group a multi‑disciplined professional services company which includes Chartered Accountants, Tax Advisers, Financial Planners and Legal professionals working across eight offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Rotherham, Wakefield, Leeds, Harrogate, Huddersfield, and Buxton. We offer training both on site and externally.

After this apprenticeship

Possible progression to AAT Level 4. Development opportunities.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

KAPLAN FINANCIAL LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000001335.

Apply now

Closes in 23 days (Saturday 13 December 2025)

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