A six-year professional apprenticeship programme that combines paid work, professional qualifications and practical client experience, leading towards Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser status.

‘Start Ahead’ offers an alternative route into a professional career. It allows you to earn a salary, gain recognised professional qualifications and build practical experience from day one. By combining work and study, you will develop valuable skills and industry experience whilst avoiding university costs. 

This is dependent on your pathway. The Accountancy Pathway leads towards Chartered Accountant status through AAT and ACA. Whilst the Tax Pathway leads towards Chartered Tax Adviser status through AAT, ATT and CTA qualifications.

Both of these routes are Level 7 qualifications and are equivalent level to a Masters degree. 

If you have a preference for either the Accountancy or Tax pathway, we encourage you to let us know at the Assessment Centre so that we can take this into consideration. If you are successful and don’t have a preference, we will allocate you to the pathway that we believe best matches your skills, strengths and long-term development opportunities. 

To apply, you'll need the following:

• 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
• Achieved a minimum of 7 GCSEs or 6 National Fives at Grade 5 (C) or above including Maths, English, and at least one Science
• To be at least 18 years of age by 31 August 2027

During the first two years of the programme, you will complete structured training and development within the office that you have been allocated to. Following this, you will be placed within one of our regional offices (Glasgow, Carlisle, Newcastle, Leeds or Manchester).

Whilst we will take your preferences into consideration where possible, we cannot guarantee a specific office location. Allocation will be based on a number of factors including business needs, available opportunities, and where we believe you will be best placed to develop your career.

As you progress through the programme, you will have opportunities to work directly with clients and gain experience in a range of business environments. Depending on your pathway, a proportion of your time may be spent at client sites, helping you build practical experience and professional relationships.

Studying towards your professional qualifications is a key part of the Start Ahead programme and will be fully integrated with your role. You will receive support from both Armstrong Watson and your training provider, helping you balance your studies with your day-to-day responsibilities.

You will have allocated study time throughout the programme, alongside practical experience that allows you to apply what you are learning in a real working environment. 

It is important to recognise that these qualifications are challenging and academically demanding. Whilst dedicated study time will be provided during working hours, successfully progressing through the programme requires a significant commitment. Candidates should expect to balance their work responsibilities with additional study in their own time throughout the programme.

Our recruitment process is designed to help us understand your strengths, potential and suitability for the Start Ahead programme. The process consists of four stages:

• Application
• Online Assessment
• Group Video Interview
• Assessment Centre

Further information and guidance will be provided throughout the process, ensuring you have the information you need to prepare for each stage. 

You will have access to a wide range of support to help you succeed both professionally and academically.

This includes:

• A dedicated training provider to support you with your professional qualifications and exam preparation.
• A line manager who will provide regular guidance, feedback and support with your day-to-day development.
• A buddy who can help you settle into the business, answer questions and share their experiences.
• Our dedicated Learning & Development team, who will support your ongoing professional and personal development throughout the programme.
• A dedicated Technical Training Director, who will provide specialist support and oversight as you progress through your qualifications.

Alongside this formal support network, you'll also be working with experienced colleagues who are invested in your development and committed to helping you achieve your career goals.

The ‘Start Ahead’ programme is designed to provide a long-term career pathway with Armstrong Watson. Upon qualifying, you will have the opportunity to continue developing your career within the business, taking on greater responsibility, building client relationships and developing specialist expertise within your chosen field.

Whether you qualify as a Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser, a range of career opportunities may be available across a range of service lines. This could include opportunities within areas such as Corporate Finance, Restructuring & Insolvency, Financial Planning, Audit, Business Services and Tax, subject to business needs and available opportunities.

As your experience grows, you may progress into senior technical, specialist or leadership roles, supported by ongoing development and training. Qualification is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of the next stage of your career.