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    Finance and accounting

    Are you interested in crunching numbers for big corporations? Maybe you’re interested in how insurance policies work or want to help people invest? Finance and accounting is all about managing money.

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    The content in this guide is sponsored by First Intuition, an award-winning accountancy training provider.

    Find out more about First Intuition

    What is a finance and accounting apprenticeship?

    An apprenticeship in finance and accounting is a practical, work-based route into your chosen career. You will gain the qualifications and skills to work in the field while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.

    You could be working with big clients on the stock market, investing funds for companies, or predicting how much people will pay for their insurance, to name a few.

    Discover real apprentices and their experiences in the accountancy field from training provider First Intuition, including AstraZeneca, TUI, and much more.

    Career opportunities from a finance and accounting apprenticeship

    An apprenticeship in the industry can lead to a range of careers, including:  

    You can find out more about accounting careers on the AAT website.

    Nick is a finance and accounting apprentice at PGA Tour.

    £22,645

    The average salary for an apprentice accountant
    According to Reed, correct as of January 2023

    Over 1 million

    The number of people currently working in the finance sector in the UK
    GOV.UK, correct as of January 2023
    Nathan Fry – Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship, Finance Analyst, TUI

    Studying accountancy through an apprenticeship is a great pathway to take, as it enables you to focus on developing specific skills and knowledge, learning the theory behind them, and then being able to apply this to your work the very next day.

    Gareth John first Intuition
    Gareth John – First Intuition, Executive Director

    Applying for an apprenticeship isn’t a scary process. It’s a great opportunity to show off all of your academic achievements and extra-curricular activities, but do explain what benefit you gained from each experience. It’s really important to do some research on the employer you are applying for and to tailor your application to both them and to the apprenticeship you would like to undertake.

    Pros

    • You’ll learn from experienced professionals.
    • You’ll get professional qualifications
    • The finance sector generally pays well.

    Considerations

    • Roles carry a lot of responsibility.
    • It can be competitive to get a place.
    • It’s a desk-based job.

    Who would suit a finance and accounting apprenticeship?

    You might be interested in a finance and accounting apprenticeship if you:

    • are interested in finance and how it works
    • are passionate about maths
    • enjoy working with numbers

    You might be a good fit for a finance and accounting apprenticeship if you:

    • are an analytical thinker
    • are good with numbers
    • can work with data
    • are organised and logical
    • can work to deadlines

    Nick shares his top tips for securing an apprenticeship in finance and accounting.

    Finance and accounting apprentice researching employers on laptop

    Find employers offering finance apprenticeships

    Discover which employers hiring apprentices in the finance and accounting sector, including Barclays Bank, Nationwide Building Society, Goldman Sachs, and more.

    Find employers

    FAQs about finance and accounting apprenticeships

    How do finance and accounting apprenticeships work?

    An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.

    Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels depending on the type you do.

    How long is an apprenticeship in the sector?

    The length of your apprenticeship depends on the level you’re taking. For example, a degree apprenticeship could take three to six years, whereas an advanced apprenticeship could take one to two years.

    What qualifications do you need?

    Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A levels for a degree apprenticeship.

    Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. Employers will be looking for willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role.

    What is the salary for an apprentice in the sector?

    The salary varies depending on the role you’re interested in, and every employer will pay differently. You will be paid at least the minimum wage of £4.81 per hour, but many employers offer more than this. You’ll need to have a look at some vacancies to get an idea of what the salary would be.
    Mike Dawson Level 7 Finance Apprenticeship RSA Insurance
    Mike Dawson, finance apprentice at RSA

    I wanted to be in a practical environment rather than in a classroom so I could apply my knowledge straightaway... Working towards an accredited qualification is also really important to me as I want to know I’m building the right knowledge for the industry, and I’m qualified at each level along the way.

    Ann-Fernee Haye Level 4 Apprentice
    Ann-Fernee Haye, finance apprentice at Lloyds Banking Group

    This apprenticeship has finally opened the door to a career for me and that’s what I’ve always wanted. I’ve already got my first promotion as a senior fraud data analyst and I’m only at the start of my career. As long as you work hard and keep building your knowledge, there will always be roles and a need for finance skills.

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    Search for finance apprenticeships

    Want to see what vacancies are out there or ready to apply? Search for your perfect apprenticeship.

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