Life as a finance apprentice

Jade, with AAT since 2017

Accounting apprenticeships are a great way to gain the skills needed in the real world, while getting paid.

Becoming an apprentice is a tried and tested way of getting into the industry. You’ll give yourself the best chance to learn a business from the bottom up, earning and learning, while having the opportunity to gain an AAT accounting qualification.

As an apprentice, you’ll be employed to work a minimum of 30 hours* a week in finance and accounting related roles, and you’ll also have the time to study for an AAT qualification.

*You’ll work a minimum of 30 hours in England and Scotland, a minimum of 16 hours in Wales and 21 hours in Northern Ireland.

During an apprenticeship you’ll:

  • work alongside experienced staff
  • gain skills specific to the industry
  • have the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and earn a salary.

All of which means you’ll be one step up on the career ladder as you’ll gain the theoretical knowledge of accountancy whilst applying it in the workplace every day.

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit aat.org.uk/apprenticeship

What is your role as a finance apprentice at Network Rail?

Currently, I manage the accounts for the contracts and procurement department. My role involves looking at profit and loss, the balance sheet and accruals. The job requires practical knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively with business partners.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

Recently I have been involved in efficiencies, which I found really interesting. In my role, I have to show efficiencies in a very specific way and give presentations to the team. There is an approval process, which means I could be approving efficiencies for millions of pounds.

Why did you decide to follow this career route?

My A levels went well so I had two options – to go to university or to get a job. I had an offer from Warwick University to study Business Studies. I also thought about a third option in the form of an apprenticeship, because my brother was looking for an apprenticeship and I liked the idea of having practical experience and no debt.

I knew that many graduates struggle to get experience and therefore to get a job at the end of their courses. The apprenticeship would give me qualifications. Even if I went to university, I would still have to do my qualifications afterwards. Although there was a part of me that wondered if I was missing out on university, I knew I wanted to be an accountant and, for me, an apprenticeship was an excellent accelerated path to get there.

What made you choose Network Rail?

There were two apprenticeships that I was interested in. I chose Network Rail because I fell in love with the public sector.

How has AAT helped you?

I am 23 and the apprenticeship at Network Rail is for five years. In the process, you do AAT Level 3, Level 4 and then CIMA. I’ve been supported in pursuing all the options so that I can become as qualified as I can be.

AAT has given me a friendship group and lifelong friends that I can learn with. It’s such a well-regarded qualification. It provides benefits in every aspect of my life.

Any tips on how to break into the profession?

It is good to have something that you are really passionate about. Get good at using Excel as that will make you a very valuable employee.