AAT Financial Services Accounting Associate, Apprentice (September 2027)

Buzzacott; Walthamstow; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Buzzacott is hiring a trainee accountant within the Business Services Team to begin a structured apprenticeship programme studying towards AAT Level 3/4, with progression towards ACCA. The role starts in September 2027 and includes paid study leave and full integration into client work.

You will gain hands-on experience across financial services clients, with salary progression as qualifications are earned and exams completed.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills for client interaction.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Demonstrates ethical judgement in professional decisions.

Responsibilities

• Act as trainee accountant in the Business Services Team across Financial Services clients.
• Perform accounting work in line with firm procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare accounts, including consolidated accounts, from various records.
• Provide general accounting services and assist in preparing working papers.
• Suggest improvements to client accounting systems and controls.
• Keep Seniors, Managers and Partners updated on progress of engagements.
• Budget time and manage costs within allocated budgets.
• Assist in administrative tasks within the Business Services team.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Prioritise workload

Problem-solving skills

Ethical judgement

Education

UCAS tariff points 144

GCSE Maths and English Level 7

Tools

MS Office

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.