Career coach | What employers want
BUILD YOUR SKILLS, BUILD YOUR FUTURE
Get your career off to a great start with a corporate apprenticeship
At a glance
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You can earn while you learn the basics of accountancy – both in theory and in practice
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You’ll have access to supportive, inspiring workplace mentors who can guide you to the right path
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You may get the chance to try a variety of roles, so you can see where you want to build your career
Smart companies know their future success depends on recruiting and training new talent – and allowing that talent room to grow to reach their full potential. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the large organisations offering great opportunities to AAT students today.
RSM UK
RSM UK is an audit, tax, and consulting adviser with 30 offices across the country.
The company currently employs close to 5,000 people and is looking to take on AAT apprentices in locations ranging from Reading and London to Birmingham and Hull.
“Our early careers programmes challenge you from day one,” RSM UK says.
“We value creativity, dynamism, and passion and we want you to share our exacting standards. In return, you can count on us to be by your side every step of your journey.” The roles on offer now include Audit Assistant, Tax Assistant, and Accounting and Business Advisory Assistant, so whatever area of accounting you’re interested in, there’s likely to be an opportunity that suits your ambitions.
“No matter what programme you join, you’ll receive plenty of support from our network of mentors, dedicated training programmes and top-quality tools and resources to set you up for success,” RSM UK adds.
“Whether you want to dive straight into your AAT or ATT qualification or join us on one of our work experience programmes or apprenticeships, the opportunities for progression are endless.
“So, join us, we are ready for you to grow with us, and make an impact that counts.”
What does RSM UK look for during its recruitment process?
Key skills valued by RSM UK include:
- Personal responsibility
- Collaboration skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Communication skills
- Resilience
- An analytical mind
- Time management
- A desire to learn
What does KPMG look for during its recruitment process?
The key skills KPMG seeks include:
- Career motivation
- Initiative and drive
- An ability to think critically
- Resilience
- Technological skills
- Curiosity
- Communication skills
KPMG
KPMG is a global network of independent professional services firms that provide audit, tax, and advisory services.
It operates in 144 countries and territories and has more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world.
Opportunities available at the moment include a number of audit apprenticeships based in Glasgow, Reading, and Edinburgh, and all due to start in autumn 2024.
“Our KPMG Apprenticeships offer you the chance to gain professional experience and develop the skills you need for an exciting career,” the organisation says.
“You’ll be supported to achieve professional qualifications and accreditations – such as diplomas and degrees – and earn a salary between £23,000 - £25,000, all at the same time.”
Moore Kingston Smith
Moore Kingston Smith is a firm of chartered accountants and leading business advisers with six offices in London and the Southeast.
It is an AAT accredited training firm that is committed to giving each person that joins first-class training within a personal and friendly working environment.
And while applications for its Private Client Tax – ATT/CTA Trainee Programme are currently closed, they will open again in September 2024 (for entry in September 2025).
“Kick-start your career in personal tax and become a fully qualified Chartered Tax Adviser with the ATT/CTA programme,” Moore Kingston Smith says.
“Play a key part in our growing tax team bringing value to a variety of clients across many sectors.”
What does Morgan Kingston Smith look for during its recruitment process?
Key attributes sought by Moore Kingston Smith include:
- Relationship building skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Initiative and drive
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Commercial awareness
- Communication skills
What does Grant Thornton look for during its recruitment process?
The company looks for the following strengths and competencies:
- Self-management and organisation
- Collaborative skills
- Drive and motivation
- A growth mindset
- An analytical mind
- Communication skills
Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of the Grant Thornton network of independent assurance, tax, and advisory firms in over 135 countries.
Its apprenticeship courses include the 18-month Level 4 Accounting Technician Apprenticeship, which is designed to develop your technical knowledge and experience to provide strategic business advice to organisations of all types and sizes and suits an entry-level individual looking to grow their skills in accountancy.
The 18-month Level 3 Assistant Accountant AAT programme, meanwhile, is designed to give you the increased confidence and knowledge to launch an accountancy career, and is best suited to early career or career changer candidates.
“We’ve got a flexible approach to academic entry requirements, and we’ll consider these alongside your strengths, motivations, and connection with us,” Grant Thornton says.
“We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.
“You should share our CLEARR values – Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Agility, Respect and Responsibility. Always striving to grow yourself, you should be driven to succeed with the ability to see tasks through to the end and remain agile, even when things don’t go to plan.”
TOP TIPS
How to secure a corporate apprenticeship
Here are 5 top tips for winning your chance to earn while you learn on a corporate apprenticeship.
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Start searching early
Many companies start their apprenticeship programmes in the autumn (to fit in with the academic year) so now is a great time to start looking for opportunities in your area.
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Research the company
Demonstrating that you have looked into both the company and the programme thoroughly will stand you in good stead with recruiters.
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Spread the love
Applying for multiple apprenticeships will increase your chances of success. You may even end up being able to choose between several possibilities!
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Follow the process
Each company has its own application process, most of which begin with an online form. So, make sure you tick all the boxes.
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Take advice
Some large organisations appoint you a dedicated recruiter to help you through the process. They are there to help – so don’t be afraid to ask.
The Association of Accounting Technicians. 30 Churchill Place, London E14 5RE. Registered charity no.1050724. A company limited by guarantee (No. 1518983).
