Apprentice Accountancy (ACA) Scheme September 2026

National Audit Office; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental audit organization is offering an opportunity for an Audit Associate to pursue a fully funded ACA apprenticeship. This role involves supporting financial audits, working with public sector clients, and gradually taking on complex projects. Ideal candidates should have 5 GCSEs including Maths and English and must not hold a degree. The position offers a competitive starting salary, 35 days' holiday, and opportunities for early responsibility and career progression. Hybrid working arrangements are available post-induction.

Benefits

Highly competitive starting salary

35 days' holiday

25 weeks fully paid study leave

Civil Service pension scheme with 28.97% employer contribution

Early responsibility and career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Applicants must NOT hold a degree.
• Evidence of academic qualifications required.

Responsibilities

• Support financial audits and gradually take on larger projects.
• Work with government and public sector clients.
• Contribute to investigations and high-impact studies.
• Develop expertise in financial analysis and audit methodology.

Skills

Analytical thinking and problem-solving

Sound judgement and effective communication

Initiative, teamwork, and relationship management

Strong organisational and time management skills

Understanding of broader business and economic contexts

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths and English

UCAS points from top 3 A‑Levels

Job description

As you navigate your path towards Chartered Accountancy as an Audit Associate, you will :

• Support financial audits and gradually take on larger and more complex projects.
• Work with government and public sector clients.
• Contribute to investigations and high-impact studies.
• Develop expertise in financial analysis and audit methodology.

Kickstart your career with a fully funded ACA apprenticeship in a supportive and inclusive environment. This is an opportunity to :

• Work with a range of government and public sector organisations.
• Gain hands‑on experience in financial audits, investigations, and high‑impact studies.
• Develop professional, managerial, and leadership skills.
• Achieve the ICAEW Chartered Accountancy qualification (equivalent to a Master's degree).
• Be part of a strong peer network with dedicated mentorship., Analytical thinking and problem‑solving.
• Sound judgement and effective communication.
• Initiative, teamwork, and relationship management.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Understanding of broader business and economic contexts.

Educational Requirements

Entry Requirements :

• 5 GCSEs (grade 9-4 / A-C), including Maths and English.
• UCAS points (or under the pre- tariff) from your top 3 A‑Levels (excluding General Studies)
• Applications considered with UCAS points (or pre‑) based on socio‑economic background
• If you studied overseas, please contact with details of your GCSE and A‑Level equivalent subjects and grades and we will map across using NARIC.
• Applicants must NOT hold a degree. If you have a degree, please apply for the Graduate Accountancy Training (ACA) Scheme when we reopen in September.
• You must NOT be under a training contract or part‑qualified with another accountancy firm.
• Evidence of academic qualifications required; international qualifications will be assessed for UK equivalency.

Eligibility Requirements

• UK nationals, Commonwealth citizens with UK work rights, or EU / EEA / Swiss nationals eligible under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
• Must have the right to work full‑time in the UK for the full 5‑year programme. We are not able to provide sponsorship.

Benefits

• Highly competitive starting salary, and annual salary increases and additional raises upon passing exams
• 35 days' holiday (including public holidays)
• 25 weeks fully paid study leave
• Civil Service pension scheme - add in employer contribution 28.97%
• Early responsibility and career progression opportunities

Work Arrangements

• Based in London or Newcastle (relocation or commuting required). Please select your preferred location.
• Initial three‑month induction with office and college‑based learning.
• Hybrid working post‑induction, including office, client sites and remote work (minimum 2 days a week in office).