Trainee Accounting Technician (AAT) – September 2026 intake

Westcotts Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers; Exeter; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Exeter is seeking a Trainee Accounting Technician to undergo practical training for AAT qualifications. Candidates will gain hands-on experience while supported by a structured mentoring program. This role requires strong analytical skills and good communication skills. The company offers salary reviews, annual leave, and additional benefits as part of the apprenticeship.

Benefits

Annual salary review

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to Health scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills are crucial.
• Must be socially confident and outgoing.
• Proven ability to learn new IT skills quickly.

Responsibilities

• Undertake training and study for AAT qualification.
• Prepare financial information, reports, and returns.
• Support the team in providing accounting and taxation services.

Skills

Analytical

Numerical

Outgoing

Socially confident

Friendly

Resilient

Good working knowledge of Word and Excel

Excellent verbal communication

Attention to detail

Ability to learn new IT skills quickly

Education

Strong track record in obtaining GCSEs

A-levels (or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Trainee Accounting Technician (AAT)

Locations: Axminster, Barnstaple, Bridgwater, Plymouth or Weston-super-Mare.

Westcotts is an Accountancy Age 50+50 Practice and Sunday Times Top 100 apprenticeship employer with over 300 team members based across Devon and Somerset.

Starting in September 2026.

What you will do

You will undertake both practical and theoretical training whilst studying for your AAT qualification under an apprenticeship agreement. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a professional qualification which can help you to achieve a rewarding career in accountancy. Studying for Level 3 and Level 4 AAT apprenticeship qualifications includes learning the fundamentals of bookkeeping and accounting standards, as well as personal and business tax. We will not only offer you support and mentoring throughout your training, but we will also fund the training, and pay you your normal salary on the days you attend classes or time in the office to study. You will also receive regular pay reviews.

80% of your time will be gained from working experience, supporting the rest of the team in providing a range of accounting and taxation services to our clients. You will prepare financial information, reports and returns for a wide range of clients, both businesses and individuals whilst also using computer software to record financial transactions. You will prepare and provide personal and company tax computations, regular VAT returns and bookkeeping services. You will also help in information gathering to analyse and report information about income and expenditure to support decision making, planning and control.

This job description summarises the main duties and responsibilities of the post, however the list is not exhaustive as the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties and projects of similar level and responsibility.

Attributes, Skills, Experience And Qualifications

Ideally the successful candidate will have the following attributes, skills, experience, and qualifications:

• Analytical, methodical, and numerical.
• Outgoing, socially confident, and emotionally controlled.
• A positive attitude, friendly, and personable.
• Resilient, able to multi-task, and work independently / flexibly.
• Adaptable, organised, and conscientious.
• Takes the initiative, ability to prioritise, and meet deadlines.
• Professional and team orientated in approach.
• Good working knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven accuracy, and an eye for detail.
• Ability to learn new IT skills quickly.
• As the role requires the ability to study and pass formal exams, we would look for a strong track record in obtaining qualifications often indicated by strong results in GCSEs, A-levels (or equivalent), however other academic history will also be considered.

Terms / Benefits

• 36.25 hours / 5 days per week.
• Annual salary review and regular salary reviews whilst training.
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 25 days plus bank holidays after 3 years’ service.
• Opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• Death in service 3 x annual salary.
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
• 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving, and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing clients and staff commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6% after 4 years’ service).
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one years’ service.

Opportunities to later progress and gain further qualifications are available for the right candidates.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications.

Apply Here