AAT Financial Services Accounting Associate, Apprentice (September)

Buzzacott; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Buzzacott's Business Services team offers an apprenticeship trainee accountant role commencing September 2027. You will study towards the AAT Level 3 and Level 4 under a structured programme, building technical skills and professional development while supporting clients.

After completing the AAT, progression support continues toward ACCA, with paid study leave and fees covered. You will learn from specialists and mentors in a supportive London environment, gaining exposure to FCA-regulated

Qualifications

• 144 UCAS Tariff points from 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including Computer Science, Economics, or Maths.
• GCSE Maths and English Language Level 7 (or equivalent).
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Act as a trainee accountant in the Business Services Team for Financial Services clients.
• Perform accounting work in compliance with firm procedures.
• Prepare accounts including consolidated accounts from manual and computerised records.
• Provide general accounting services and aid in preparing accounts (working papers).
• Suggest improvements to clients' accounting systems and controls.
• Keep Seniors, Managers and Partners informed on progress.
• Budget your time and control costs where possible.
• Plan and complete accounts files for smaller assignments.
• Set up files per the Planning Checklist.
• Assist in administration of the Business Services team when needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Problem solving

Education

UCAS Tariff points 144+

GCSE Maths & English Level 7

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Team Overview

Our Business Services team is one of Buzzacott's largest, comprising of around 70 professionals who provide specialist support to a diverse range of privately owned businesses across multiple sectors including financial services. The team delivers a comprehensive suite of outsourced services, including management accounting, VAT, payroll, company secretarial support, and regulatory reporting. Our client base ranges from entrepreneurial start-ups and growing businesses to well-established inbound subsidiaries of US hedge-fund managers.

Within Business Services sits our specialist Financial Services Accounting team, which provides outsourced accounting support to a broad range of FCA-regulated firms and financial services businesses. Our clients include asset managers, fund managers, hedge funds, payment firms, and private equity businesses. Acting as an extension of our clients' finance functions, we deliver proactive support, valuable financial insight and help businesses navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment and help clients achieve their strategic objectives.

With deep sector expertise and a reputation for delivering exceptional client service, joining the team offers the opportunity to develop specialist financial sector knowledge while gaining exposure to a diverse portfolio of FCA-regulated businesses. We are committed to investing in our people with regular, high-quality training and development programmes, ensuring that they have the support and opportunities needed to progress their careers.

Our approach to client service, professional development and team culture sets us apart from other firms in London. Buzzacott is the ideal place for ambitious individuals seeking a for a new challenge, accelerated career progression and the opportunity to do rewarding work alongside supportive and friendly colleagues.

Role Overview

In addition to providing quality accounting services to clients within the Business Services Team, you will study towards the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 and Level 4 qualification under a structured apprenticeship programme, building not only on your technical skills, but also on your personal and professional development.

After completion of the AAT, continued career progression is supported with a view for further study towards the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. Studying towards these professional qualifications, as well as learning from our team of specialists on a daily basis, ensures you are well equipped with the knowledge to help advance you through your career.

Training consists of a combination of courses at the tutors’ offices, private study and regular exams, as well as on-the-job training. You will have paid study leave to support you in the run up to exams and all course and exam fees are paid for.

This role is due to commence in September 2027.

What You'll Be Doing

• Act as a trainee accountant in the Business Services Team, working with a wide range of Financial Services organisations.
• Conduct all accounting work, in compliance with the firm's and statutory procedures.
• Prepare accounts, including consolidated accounts, from both manual and computerised accounting records.
• Provide general accounting services and assistance to clients in the preparation of accounts, for example preparing working papers.
• Recommend improvements to the clients' accounting systems and controls and assisting clients whenever needed.
• Keep Seniors, Managers and Partners informed of the progress of the team's jobs.
• Budget for your time and keep costs within budget wherever possible.
• For smaller assignments, plan and complete the accounts file as per the relevant Completion Checklist.
• Set up files in accordance with the Planning Checklist.
• Assist in the administration of the Business Services team as and when requested and when time allows.

What's In It For You

We go above and beyond for our clients, but also for you. We have a genuine commitment to your development, offering you a closely supported and structured programme of tuition, provided by a top firm of external tutors. Internally, you'll be supported by a manager who will act as your mentor, a trainee buddy, partners, senior staff and a dedicated Learning and Development team.

As you progress through your training you will receive incremental salary increases as you hit various milestones in your qualification.

What We're Looking For

• 144 UCAS Tariff points from 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including Computer Science, Economics, or Maths.
• Level 7 (A grade using the old system) in GCSE Maths and English Language, or equivalent.
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• The right to work in the UK without restrictions for the duration of the training contract

Please note we do not accept General Studies or applications from part-qualified applicants.

What You'll Bring

• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally with internal and external clients.
• Able to prioritise workload and be self-sufficient; multi-tasker; problem-solving skills.
• Displays ethical judgement.

Why Buzzacott?

We're big enough to provide deep expertise across a wide range of specialisms, but small enough to value meaningful personal connections — with clients and colleagues alike. You'll work alongside experienced professionals who will support your continued development, while you contribute to shaping the growth of both our team and our clients.

At Buzzacott, we're committed to equal opportunities and ensuring all employment decisions are fair, objective, and based on merit.

To see more information about our Rewards & Benefits follow this link.

To find out more about life at Buzzacott, please click here.

To hear from team members across the firm on their experience of life at Buzzacott, please click here.