The place to learn

AAT Apprenticeships

If you’re looking for an apprenticeship where you can qualify as an Accountant, PKF Francis Clark is the place. You don’t need a university degree and you will start earning from day one. We have a diverse range of business sectors in which we work, offering the choice and the opportunity for career growth that is designed around your career preferences.

You’ll be joining the largest independent chartered accountancy firm in the South West. Our values begin with people, because people are at the heart of everything that we do and our people make us who we are.

Entering the work environment can be daunting. But the support network here at PKF Francis Clark is endless. The firm cares. We’re genuine, we’re supportive and people love the camaraderie and feel part of the team here very quickly. And you’ll be joining lots of other trainees just like you.

Over three years, you’ll be supported to study for and achieve the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) professional qualification via an apprenticeship.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping and accounting, get into the more advanced areas of managing budgets and evaluating financial performance, as well as personal and corporate tax. To help you achieve your full potential and really shine, we will support you to develop your interpersonal skills, helping you to become an ethical and trusted business advisor.

Our school leaver apprenticeship trainees frequently choose PKF Francis Clark to get earning straightaway in their journey to becoming a qualified Accountant. This means that they get qualified without incurring debts that going to university often entails. Start here, join our journey and take your career as far as you can. It’s the place to be successful and be with others just like you. But most of all, it is the place to be yourself.

APPLY NOW for one of our exciting opportunities!

What is this apprenticeship?
Studying for Level 3 and Level 4 AAT apprenticeship qualifications includes learning the fundamentals of book keeping and accounting standards, getting into the more advanced areas of managing budgets and evaluating financial performance, as well as personal and business tax.

Over 15 months, our approved training providers will guide you through the professional apprenticeship standard, helping you to develop the necessary interpersonal skills and ethical mindset essential to every successful accountant.

What are the teams like?
Our teams are diverse and accumulate experience across a variety of roles. That begins with spending time in the office supporting tasks such as preparing year-end accounts, book keeping, management accounts, forecasts and projections. You’ll also get exposure to compliance in areas such as company and business taxation, company secretarial matters and VAT returns, and you’ll take part in audits as one of a small team of two or three, meeting our clients.

Life as a trainee
We have a thriving social culture throughout all our offices. You’ll be one of many trainees joining us and social activities often centre on the beautiful South West, office get togethers, celebrations, parties, dinner out with the team and more. At PKF Francis Clark you really can love your job and live your life.

You’ll find a culture of friendliness and there’s a real family feel here. You’ll feel welcome from day one. Each employee is made to feel valued and respected and we’re here for you when you need help or advice, or just a friendly chat. You’ll have a ‘buddy’ here, who you can also turn to.

Clients
You will be carrying out client work from the start and the type of work that you will be doing will vary. The majority of our clients are family owned businesses across an interesting variety of sectors which means that no day will be the same. You will have support from your team on this work so that your knowledge of the clients continues to grow.

Our approach to learning
You’ll be assigned a buddy before you start and will be supported by a manager who will help fulfil your potential and keep you on track. Your buddy will be someone who has recently been where you are, so they will understand your first day nerves, can answer any questions you have and teach you the basics of your role.

Our training provider will also assign you with a mentor to ensure you stay on track and review your progress throughout.

Career pathways
On average, achieving the Level 3 and Level 4 AAT qualification and becoming a professionally qualified accountant takes two and a half to three years. During this time, you’ll be able to gain experiences across the business in a variety of departments such as Business Services, Audit and Taxation.

Successfully achieving the AAT qualification could mean you can go on to study further if you want to, either studying for the ACA qualification or specialising in tax, for example.

However you choose to continue, you’ll be supported in a nurturing environment, receive comprehensive training and invaluable exposure to a diversity of career-building client work.

The recruitment process
We open our application process for AAT apprenticeship positions each December / January, and hold Apprenticeship Insight evenings usually in February or March where you can come and meet us to find out more about the firm and our training opportunities.

The shortlisting process:
- A short online application form – Apply online through our website. Tell us about you.
- Online numerical and verbal ability tests – You’ll be asked to complete online numerical and verbal ability tests. Show us your ability.
- Phone interview – You’ll have a phone interview with a member of our recruitment team who will want to get to know you and your ability. Describe your ability.
- Assessment Day – You’ll be invited to take part in various activities that will show us your team working, presentation and communication talents. Demonstrate your ability.
Assessment days generally take place from March onwards. If you are successful at this point, we’ll make you an offer to start with us.