Accounts Junior AAT/ACA (Apprenticeship) - Cardiff- September 2026

MHA; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Cardiff is offering an exciting apprenticeship opportunity. As an Accounts Junior, you will gain hands-on experience, work with diverse teams, and study towards professional qualifications like AAT and ACA. If you have at least 112 UCAS points and a passion for finance, this role could kickstart your rewarding career without student debt. Opportunities for mentorship and career growth await you at this award-winning firm.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working options

Full study support for qualifications

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for a career in accounting and finance.
• Ambition to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Accounts preparation assignments.
• Working closely with your mentor on client accounts.
• Studying towards Professional Qualification (AAT Level 3, 4 and ACA Level 7).

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

112 UCAS Points (or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Are you a driven and ambitious individual looking to kickstart your career in accounting and finance? At MHA, we’re inviting you to embark on a journey where your skills will flourish and your aspirations will be nurtured.

Why MHA?

We are ranked among the UK’s top 15 accountancy firms, and we are proud to be part of Baker Tilly International, the 8th largest global network. Our apprenticeship programme is designed to give you a head start in your career while gaining valuable on‑the‑job experience and a recognised qualification, all without the burden of student debt. Imagine becoming the go‑to person for your clients, fully qualified in less than five years!

We work with diverse sectors including fashion, leisure, hospitality, renewable energy, gaming and motorsports. This exposure provides a broad perspective and varied experiences that will enrich your professional journey. With a track record of awards, we’re an exciting firm to join, offering you a front‑row seat to impactful work and professional growth.

What You Will Enjoy at MHA

• A Competitive Salary and Benefits: Apprenticeship salary package that values your contribution from the start.
• Hybrid Working: Flexible hours and the option to work from home to manage work and study effectively.
• Full Study Support: Globally recognised ICAEW qualification with support from Kaplan or First Intuition.
• Hands‑On Experience: Practical, on‑the‑job training and building client relationships early on.
• Career Growth: Access to a global network through Baker Tilly International with opportunities for secondments and experience with diverse clients.
• A Supportive Network: Mentors and peers dedicated to your success and personal development.
• Your career path is yours to shape: Many of our Partners, Directors, and Managers started their journey through our apprenticeship programme and have become leaders at MHA.

Working for an Award‑Winning Firm

We’re recognised with top accolades, including Best Advisory Services at the Business Resilience Awards and multiple titles at the British Accountancy Awards, such as National Firm of the Year and Graduate Programme of the Year. We also earned the GOLD award for Investors in People, highlighting our commitment to putting people first.

Your Impact and Responsibilities

As an Accounts Junior, you’ll work with diverse teams on real projects, building lasting connections and starting with the fundamentals, including:

• Accounts preparation assignments
• Working closely with your mentor on a wide range of client accounts
• Working from source documents to final accounts
• Corporation tax computations
• Obtaining technical information on clients where appropriate
• Studying towards Professional Qualification (AAT Level 3, 4 and ACA Level 7)

We’re dedicated to ensuring you receive the experience, personal development, and training needed to make your career stimulating and rewarding. We’ll balance hands‑on experience with professional training to support your journey toward achieving your qualification.

You’ll be paired with mentors and tutors who will guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring progress stays on track.

What We’re Looking For

While a background in finance is not required, we seek individuals with at least 112 UCAS Points (or equivalent). A genuine passion for a career in accounting and finance, combined with the ambition to thrive, is what truly counts.

Make 2026 YOUR year!

Our 2026 apprenticeship programme opens the door to a career where ambition is encouraged, your skills will grow, and your contribution will matter from day one. This could be the start of something exciting and rewarding. Are you ready to begin your journey? Apply today!

Advice for Your Application

We are here to support you every step of the way, starting with your application. Our best advice is simple: be true to yourself. Technology is evolving and the role of AI is growing; if you use it in your application, ensure it reflects your authentic voice and personal experiences. At MHA we value diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We want to see what makes you unique, including your ideas, experiences and personality. Applications that capture your authentic self help us get to know the real you.

HINT: Check out our employability hub for tips. Our application form is quick and includes diversity questions. MHA is a committed member of Access Accountancy; we track diversity stats and actively work to improve them year on year. Any data collected is anonymised before sharing with external parties per our Data Protection Policy and is not visible to hiring managers or used in the selection process.