At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial audits and work on impactful projects with government clients.
- Company: Join a supportive and inclusive environment with a strong peer network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days holiday, and fully paid study leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a fully funded ACA apprenticeship and gain valuable qualifications.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; A-Level UCAS points required.
- Other info: Hybrid working post-induction with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 12000 £ per year.
Apprentice Accountancy Training Scheme (ACA): 5-Year Apprenticeship
Location & Salary:
- London: £28,000 p.a. (rising to over £61,000 post-qualification)
- Newcastle: £23,000 p.a. (rising to over £53,000 post-qualification)
Start Date: Monday 1 September
Kickstart your career with a fully funded ACA apprenticeship in a supportive and inclusive environment. This is an opportunity to:
- Work with a range of government and public sector organisations.
- Gain hands-on experience in financial audits, investigations, and high-impact studies.
- Develop professional, managerial, and leadership skills.
- Achieve the ICAEW Chartered Accountancy qualification (equivalent to a Master's degree).
- Be part of a strong peer network with dedicated mentorship.
Benefits:
- Highly competitive starting salary, and annual salary increases and additional raises upon passing exams
- 35 days’ holiday (including public holidays)
- 25 weeks fully paid study leave
- Civil Service pension scheme – add in employer contribution 28.97%
- Early responsibility and career progression opportunities
Work Arrangements:
- Based in London or Newcastle (relocation or commuting required). Please select your preferred location.
- Initial three-month induction with office and college-based learning.
- Hybrid working post-induction, including office, client sites and remote work (minimum 2 days a week in office).
Application Deadline: We recruit on a rolling basis and may close applications early if positions are filled. Early application is therefore encouraged. Applications are shortlisted at each stage of the process.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities: As you navigate your path towards Chartered Accountancy as an Audit Associate, you will:
- Support financial audits and gradually take on larger and more complex projects.
- Work with government and public sector clients.
- Contribute to investigations and high-impact studies.
- Develop expertise in financial analysis and audit methodology.
Skills required
Key Skills:
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
- Sound judgement and effective communication.
- Initiative, teamwork, and relationship management.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Understanding of broader business and economic contexts.
Educational requirements
Entry Requirements:
- 5 GCSEs (grade 9-4 / A-C), including Maths and English.
- UCAS points (or under the pre-tariff) from your top 3 A-Levels (excluding General Studies)
- Applications considered with UCAS points (or pre-) based on socio-economic background.
- If you studied overseas, please contact us with details of your GCSE and A-Level equivalent subjects and grades.
- Applicants must NOT hold a degree. If you have a degree, please apply for the Graduate Accountancy Training (ACA) Scheme when we reopen in September.
- You must NOT be under a training contract or part-qualified with another accountancy firm.
- Evidence of academic qualifications required; international qualifications will be assessed for UK equivalency.
Eligibility Requirements:
- UK nationals, Commonwealth citizens with UK work rights, or EU/EEA/Swiss nationals eligible under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Must have the right to work full-time in the UK for the full 5-year programme. We are not able to provide sponsorship.
Apprentice Accountancy (ACA) Scheme September 2026 in London employer: National Audit Office
Contact Detail:
National Audit Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Accountancy (ACA) Scheme September 2026 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to accountancy and your skills. Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us on this exciting journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Accountancy (ACA) Scheme September 2026 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re excited about this apprenticeship!
Showcase Your Skills: Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in the past, so share those stories with us!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon and keep your language simple – we want to understand your journey without any confusion.
Apply Early!: We recruit on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot in our fantastic ACA apprenticeship programme. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Audit Office
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss basic accounting principles. Familiarise yourself with key terms like audits, financial analysis, and the ACA qualification itself. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork experience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Research the Company
Dive into the company’s website and understand their values, mission, and the types of clients they work with. Being able to discuss how your goals align with theirs will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the apprenticeship.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the mentorship programme, career progression opportunities, or the types of projects you might work on. It shows you're engaged and serious about your future with them.