Accountancy Apprenticeship (AAT) - March 2026

Application Deadline: 23 January 2026

Department: Advice, Audit & Accounts

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: St Albans

Compensation: GBP 27,100 / year

Description

Start date: March 2026

Locations: This role will be based in our St Albans office. At Moore Kingston Smith, we believe in the potential of people to make a positive impact, fuelled by the power of genuine understanding. As an accredited training firm, we are committed to providing first-class professional development in a supportive and friendly environment. Through our Level 4 Accountancy Apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and build the foundation for a successful career within accounts and business advisory.

You will work with businesses across a wide range of sectors, delivering exceptional client service while earning a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Our Accounts & Advisory team is trained to have broad experience across a range of disciplines, from accounts preparation and tax compliance to business advisory services. These teams work with clients who vary in size, from sole traders to medium sized businesses, across sectors including professional practices, manufacturing, financial services, hospitality, real estate, and technology.

From the outset, you will work directly with our clients, who choose us because we understand them so well. You'll get to know their businesses, uncover the obstacles they face, and become familiar with their sectors. The experience is varied. Some projects last a few days, others a few weeks. We encourage you to take responsibility early on, and you will get to grips with all aspects of the role.

With support and training, key responsibilities in the first 12 months will include:

• Play a key role in the delivery of year-end compliance for clients, working closely with our tax and advisory teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Process journal adjustments using CHAAPS, ensuring accuracy and consistency in client records.
• Develop a strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Assist in preparing financial statements in line with relevant standards and legal requirements.
• Draft corporation tax computations and support tax compliance processes.
• Liaise with clients to gather documentation, clarify queries, and support project progress.
• Maintain accurate and well-organised working papers in line with internal procedures.
• Review and update client data in accounting and tax software systems.
• Identify and suggest improvements to client systems and internal processes.
• Work as part of a team on advisory projects.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, including technical and tax departments.
• Attend client offices and represent the firm professionally.
• Help manage client expectations and meet deadlines throughout the accounts and advisory process.

As you develop experience and confidence, you will start to take more ownership of client work, communicate more directly with clients, and begin mentoring newer team members. You'll contribute to planning discussions and handle more complex technical areas.

As you approach the completion of your AAT apprenticeship and have gained two years of solid experience in accounts work, you will be considered for progression onto the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualification pathway within our audit team. This next stage involves a further two years of study and practical experience, ultimately leading to qualification as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

We have clear progression routes, and there's plenty of opportunity to take your career in the direction you desire at Moore Kingston Smith. In fact, many of our partners started out as trainees here and through hard work, commitment and drive have gone on to leadership roles.

Your path to qualification

In this role you will be completing a structured two-year training contract and Level 4 apprenticeship programme, during which time you will study towards the Level 3 and Level 4 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional qualifications. It's designed to give you a strong foundation in accounting while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

What this means for you:

• You will complete 10 AAT exams across key areas such as bookkeeping, financial statements and tax.
• You will gain relevant work experience, supported by on-the-job learning and guidance from your manager.
• You will develop key professional skills through structured training and development.
• You will be accountable for maintaining your apprenticeship file.
• You will follow a planned schedule of work and study, with regular revision and training sessions leading up to key exams during the year.

We'll be providing comprehensive support throughout, including:

• In-person tuition with our trusted training provider during set study blocks.
• Paid study leave.
• Ongoing support from a Buddy, Training Manager, and Training Partner, with regular feedback and development reviews.
• Access to wellbeing resources and a supportive network to help you thrive.

We understand that completing a training contract is a significant commitment, requiring time management and a proactive mindset. That's why we're here to support you every step of the way. In return, you will work towards a globally respected qualification within an internationally recognised network and build a strong foundation for a rewarding career.

Who are we looking for?

The AAT training programme is open to students from a range of backgrounds, whether straight out of college, or someone looking for a career change or return to work, but it does not require you to have a university degree.

You will be provided with training and support throughout your career with us, and the AAT qualification pathway has a structured study and exam programme to allow you to prepare proactively, so you don't need to have prior technical knowledge or experience, but we do look for the following:

• A clear motivation to begin your career in accountancy, supported by an understanding of the AAT qualification, with aspirations to progress into an audit role in the future.
• Enthusiasm for building strong relationships and collaborating with clients and colleagues, with close support from your manager.
• A proactive, results-driven attitude, ensuring excellent client service and a commitment to delivering high-quality work with integrity and professionalism.
• A dedication to ethical standards, ensuring your work aligns with professional guidelines and best practices.
• Strong commitment and reliability, enabling you to balance your studies and exams (with paid study leave) alongside your full-time role and responsibilities.
• A growth mindset and adaptable approach, with a willingness to continuously acquire new skills and knowledge, supported by your manager, learning coach and dedicated early talent team.
• A commitment to understanding, built on respect, collaboration, and active listening.

In order to be eligible for the programme, you will also need:

• To have obtained, or be on track for 112 UCAS points from three A-Levels, or equivalent qualifications.
• You do not need a degree to apply for this apprenticeship. However, if you have a degree in a subject unrelated to accounting or finance (minimum 2:1 or 2:2 depending on context not specified), you're still very welcome to apply.
• To be permitted to work in the UK, for at least 2-years from the start date of the programme.

Recruitment process

We recruit on a rolling basis, so would encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience to avoid missing out. The application process is made up of four stages: application; interactive assessment; virtual interview with one of the People Team; final interview in the office which you're being considered for.

We are here to support you throughout the recruitment process and on the training contract. In confidence, we can discuss the individual support and adjustments you may need. A few examples of the support we can provide include but are not limited to: providing extra time in our interactive assessment or sharing interview questions ahead of time. If successful in securing a place on our training contract, we will organise a confidential call to discuss how we can work with you on the training contract to enable you to perform at your best.