At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Audit team to analyse financial situations and advise clients for better profitability.
- Company: Mercer & Hole, a supportive firm with a family feel and commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Gain AAT qualifications, enjoy trainee support, and access continuous professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to thrive and grow within the company.
- Why this job: Start your career in finance with fast progression and real impact on businesses.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for learning and business.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Why choose our Audit Higher Apprenticeship Programme? Working within the Audit team offers a varied and exciting career. You will have the opportunity to work across a range of sectors, conducting independent checks on companies’ financial situations and advising on ways for them to operate more profitably. It’s a job in which you will always be learning about different types of businesses and developing your business skills. Beginning your career in the Virtual Finance team, you will work with a variety of clients, gaining valuable and well-rounded experience to support your progression to the Audit team. This provides a stable and lucrative career path with fast progression and rewarding work.
We pride ourselves on learning and development for our trainees and have key structures in place to support you on your journey with us, including trainee away days, a dedicated training manager and buddy, and study leave to name just a few. Training and development does not stop when you qualify – we are committed to continually developing our staff. Regardless of whether you’re a trainee or a director using our ‘People Passport’, you are guaranteed a great investment in your future!
What will I be doing as an audit apprentice? Our higher apprenticeship programme is designed to support your learning and development. You will work as part of the Virtual Finance/Audit teams while studying the AAT qualification - Level 3 & 4. 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 Audit Higher Apprenticeship Programme
- Year 1: You will have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into client challenges through analysing bank payments and receipts, preparing control accounts, calculating prepayments and accruals, and updating fixed asset registers for additions and disposals, also calculating depreciation, and drafting basic financial statements as well as starting to apply basic principles of auditing working as part of a larger team, amongst other duties. During this time you will also develop the ability to identify differences or issues from information provided by clients and start to suggest solutions.
- Year 2: You will build on your experience gained and learn new skills such as preparing more complex statutory accounts with accurate disclosures as required by company law, undertake small simple audits on your own, complete more complex audit testing and develop your problem-solving and business skills. You will also have the opportunity to assist more junior trainees with queries and be a buddy to those just starting out.
Once you have completed your AAT qualification, you will then have the opportunity to apply to move on to studying the ACA and become a chartered accountant. If you think this is something you would be interested in, then apply! As part of our culture, we take the time to review each application individually to reflect our values. We really want to attract and retain individuals who share our Values.
Together
- The firm with the family feel. Express gratitude. Smile. Be humble and confident. Have fun.
Resilient
- Change is imminent, and business is imperfect. Be open-minded & agile. Assume positive intent and exercise the power of positive thinking.
Understanding
- Each individual matters and will be heard and respected. Honesty, integrity, empathy and kindness are fundamental.
Supportive
- We support what is important to you and show kindness in our behaviour to each other. We encourage each other to realise our potential.
Thrive!
- We strive to be the best, innovate and always do exceptional work. That’s who we are and what our clients deserve.
Mercer & Hole is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Our people are our most valuable asset. We bring our life experiences, knowledge, creativity, and talents together at Mercer & Hole making it a unique place to work where all can safely thrive.
Audit Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2026 - London employer: Mercer & Hole
Mercer & Hole is an exceptional employer, celebrated for its supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Top 100 Great Place to Work, we offer our Receptionist/Administrator the chance to thrive in a dynamic environment, where you will gain valuable experience while contributing to a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community involvement in St. Albans.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2026 - London
✨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.
✨Follow the Right Companies on Social Media
Banks and financial services firms love to share their stories on social media! Follow companies like Mercer & Hole to keep up with their latest apprenticeship opportunities and insider news. Engaging with their posts could give us an edge when it comes to the application.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
Your university's career service is a treasure trove of information for apprenticeships in banking. They often have connections to employers like Mercer & Hole, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Audit Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2026 - London
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 Mercer & Hole 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 Mercer & Hole!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercer & Hole
✨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 Mercer & Hole, 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.
