Graduate / Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser

Armstrong Watson LLP; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fully funded professional quals

Paid study leave

Structured development programme

Health Shield Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Paid subscriptions

Social events & recognition

Leave allowance 21 days +

Job summary

Armstrong Watson LLP invites graduates to start a professional services career as part of a structured three-year programme in Audit or Tax. You will work with real clients from day one and receive full study support to qualify as a Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser.

Positions available across several offices, including Newcastle, with mentoring and progression to senior advisory roles as you gain experience and professional credentials.

Qualifications

• 2:1 degree or above in any discipline or equivalent.
• AAT Level 4 qualification.
• 2:2 degree may be considered depending on subject.
• GCSEs: 7 subjects with grade 5 (C) or above including Maths and English.
• UCAS points: minimum 96 from A Levels or equivalent.
• Full UK Driving Licence by September 2027.

Responsibilities

• Begin your professional services career with real clients and qualified support.
• Join the three-year programme across Audit or Tax, balancing study and client work.
• Progress to trusted business adviser with increasing responsibility.

Skills

Teamwork

Learning mindset

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

2:1 degree or above (achieved or predicted) in any discipline

AAT Level 4 qualification

2:2 degree may be considered depending on subject

7 GCSEs at Grade 5 (C) or above including Maths, English and a Science

96 UCAS points from A Levels or equivalent

Full UK Driving Licence by September 2027

Job description

Graduate / Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser

Department: Audit

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Newcastle

Description

About Us

Build something exceptional, with us...

Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double our turnover by 2030, through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent, and the selective acquisition of like-minded firms.

But growth alone is not the goal.
Reputation is.
And reputation is earned, not inherited.

Our strategic intent is simple to say and hard to deliver.
To become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK.

The firm business owners talk about.
The firm lawyers and bankers recommend without hesitation.

To achieve this, we are building the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, not just in the North, but across the UK. Exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability define everything we do. These are not slogans; they are standards we hold ourselves to every day.

At our core, we exist for one reason, to help our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.

This strategy sets the direction.
Our people, our values-led culture, and our standards will deliver it.

We are looking for people who want more than the next job. People who care deeply about:

• Standards and professionalism


• Doing work they are proud to put their name to


• Building long-term client relationships


• Being part of a firm with real momentum and intent

What you will find here:

• A firm with clear direction and momentum


• Clients who value advice and relationships


• Colleagues who care about doing things properly


• A culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity and Honesty


• Genuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm grows

This is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.

The Role

Start your professional services career with one of the UK's leading independent accountancy firms. From day one, you'll work with real clients, gain professional qualifications and receive the support needed to become a trusted business adviser.

We are currently looking for our next promising cohort of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers to start with us in September 2027. We have positions available across our Carlisle, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Skipton & Manchester offices.

Throughout our three-year programme, you'll gain hands-on experience working with a diverse range of clients while developing the technical, commercial and professional skills needed to become a trusted business adviser. It's a challenging and rewarding journey that combines practical experience, professional qualifications and structured development to build a strong foundation for your future career.

With full study support for the ACA or ATT/CTA qualification, you'll balance professional studies with real client work, applying your learning in practice from day one.

You'll join either our Audit and Assurance (ACA) or Tax (ATT/CTA) team, working alongside experienced colleagues and supporting clients across a variety of sectors. As your confidence and expertise grow, you'll build strong professional relationships and take on increasing levels of responsibility.

Successfully completing our training programme can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities across the firm. Whether your interests lie in Restructuring & Insolvency, Corporate Finance, Business Services or another specialist area, you'll have the opportunity to explore different career paths and continue developing your expertise as your career progresses.

The Candidate

We're looking for motivated individuals who enjoy working collaboratively, are eager to learn and are ready to take on new challenges. In return, you'll gain valuable experience, professional qualifications and access to rewarding opportunities that will help you build a successful long-term career.

• Candidates must possess either a 2:1 degree or above (achieved or predicted) in any discipline or the full AAT Level 4 qualification. A 2:2 degree may be considered depending on degree subject.


• Candidates must also hold at least 7 GCSEs at Grade 5 (C) or above (including Maths, English and at least one Science) or a minimum of 6 National Fives (including Maths, English and at least one Science) at Grade C or above.


• A minimum of 96 UCAS points obtained from A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications across a maximum of three subjects, or from Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers across a maximum of five subjects


• You must also possess a full and valid UK Drivers Licence by September 2027 and own a vehicle which can be used for business travel to client sites that are not always accessible via public transport. There will be a short grace period permitted for acquiring a vehicle, if required.

Successful candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for levy funding.

The Benefits

In return for your commitment and contribution, we'll provide:

• A competitive salary with progressive increases


• Fully funded professional qualifications


• Paid study leave and training support


• A structured development programme, including technical and professional skills


• Support from experienced colleagues, mentors and training providers

You'll also benefit from:

• 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service


• Annual leave purchase scheme


• Health Shield Cash Plan


• Employee Assistance Programme


• Paid professional subscriptions


• Referral and reward schemes


• Regular social events and recognition initiatives

In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further.

When you're with us... we're with you.