If university doesn’t appeal, or you fancy a career change, then an apprenticeship could be the right path for you.
You may think that Accountancy is focused entirely on numbers and figures, and whilst enjoying working with numbers is essential, there is much more to consider when thinking about Accountancy as a career.
As Accountancy evolves it is becoming ultra-fast and computerised, allowing Accountants to focus on the overall Management of Finances.
Accountants are great communicators often acting as the go-between for different groups of people/business and Authorities. They are critical in securing business deals and ensuring staff and suppliers are paid on time. Accountants are vital for any business.
Accountancy could be a good career choice if you:
- Are passionate about working with people and communication
- Have a good eye for detail
- Enjoy working with numbers
- Consider yourself to be 'analytical' or 'strategic'
- Enjoy working in a methodical and organised manner.
Apprenticeship benefits
There are clear benefits of considering an Apprenticeship if you choose to pursue Accountancy.
Benefits such as:
- Avoiding student debt and earning whilst you learn (on average saving £27,500)
- Gaining practical work experience on the job
- Working with an affiliated membership such as ACCA/ICAEW/CIMA/AAT from the beginning of your career
- Being part of an institution from the beginning of your apprenticeship and beyond, encouraging Continuous Professional Development and Support
- Growing good networking links, and developing a professional portfolio.
- Support from Kaplan Talent Coaches and Tutors throughout your course
Entry levels
There are different entry levels for students, if you are a School Leaver and have just completed your GCSEs or A-Levels, we would potentially look at an Assistant Accountant Level 3 apprenticeship with a pathway in AAT. This is the very beginning of your accounting career, with a range of progression routes available.
If you are part way through a degree or have completed a degree we could look at higher level Apprenticeships such as an Accounting and Taxation Professional Level 7 with professional pathways in ACCA/ICAEW/CIMA. These need a little more experience and knowledge to start with.
Kaplan can help
Kaplan offers a recruitment service to help people go into accountancy apprenticeships, working with reputable employers around the country. We pride ourselves on working with employers who provide a great working environment and are dedicated to fair pay and progression for their apprentices.
For a full list of Kaplan Apprenticeships with industry-leading employers visit our jobs board. We can help you prepare for applications by supporting you to build your CV, tailoring it for accountancy Apprenticeships and help with interview preparation and guidance.
Regardless of sector and industry, all apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on Get My First Job and The National Apprenticeship Service, this includes vacancies in other roles in areas such as Insurance, Risk and Compliance or Financial Services.
Top Tips
Finally, our three top tips for starting your career in Accountancy through an apprenticeship would be:
- Be proactive with your apprenticeship search, if you are still studying and sitting exams in the summer start your apprenticeship search around May alongside your revision.
- Ensure your CV is tailored towards Accountancy and your desire to pursue this area is clear
- Seek work experience in an office or a financial environment so you can get a feel for the type of environment you will be working in.
For more information on anything mentioned here you can register your interest with our recruitment team.