Assistant Accountant Apprentice in Barnard Castle

Summary

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to start a career in finance and accounting within a friendly and professional legal firm. You will work with an experienced team, gaining practical experience while completing your apprenticeship. The role will involve supporting the day-to-day activities and developing your own knowledge.

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course Assistant accountant (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 8:45am-5pm with day release to College This apprenticeship is 15 months plus 3 months for Apprenticeship Assessment and gateway 37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 19 October 2026

Duration

1 year 3 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

This position is a great opportunity for someone with a Level 2 qualification with no prior business experience. Full training and support will be provided to the right person who is enthusiastic about learning and developing within the role

• Assist with the investigation of, 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 a range of approaches and media, with an understanding of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications
• Work as part of the wider McGarry Law team and providing a helpful and professional service

As your knowledge and confidence develop, you will be given the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and learn more about the wider finance function.

Where you'll work

21 GALGATE BARNARD CASTLE DL12 8EQ

Training

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

Training provider

DARLINGTON COLLEGE

Training course

Assistant accountant (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

• Assist with the investigation of, 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 a range of approaches and media, with an understanding of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
• Assist with the investigation of, 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 a range of approaches and media, with an understanding of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.

Training schedule

• AAT Certificate in accounting (Level 3) - 4 days with employer and day release at College
• Location - McGarry and Co, 21 Galgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8EQ
• Working 5 days per week inclusive of 1 day release for study at Darlington College

https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0002-v2-0

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Maths and English (grade 4/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
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Keen to learn
• Manage workload
• Concern for accuracy
• Reliable
• Respect confidentiality
• Positive
• Professional
• Approachable

Other requirements

• You will complete a Level 3 Accounting apprenticeship, combining workplace experience with structured off-the-job training. You will develop practical skills in areas including bookkeeping, financial records, reconciliations, financial transactions, accounting software, data security and professional standards.
• The successful candidate will receive support from both McGarry Law and their apprenticeship training provider throughout the programme.
• Please note that in line with UK apprenticeship regulations, you must have a valid and eligible residency status and the right to work in England. This should cover the entire expected term of learning and residency should be held for a minimum of 3 years, exceptions may apply please see Apprenticeship funding rules for full guidance..

About this employer

• McGarry and Co is an expanding full-service rural law firm with offices across the North of England. The firm provides a wide range of legal services and places a strong emphasis on providing clients with professional, practical and personal advice.
• You will be joining a professional but friendly team where you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and develop valuable skills for a career in finance.

https://www.mbmcgarry.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

There may be an opportunity to secure a long term position after successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DARLINGTON COLLEGE

Rosanna Lee

rlee@darlington.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000054977.

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 11:59pm)