Accountancy Apprenticeship (AAT) – Business Growth Advisory

Accountancy Apprenticeship (Level 4) — Moore Kingston Smith

At Moore Kingston Smith, we believe in the potential of people to make a positive impact, fuelled by genuine understanding. As an accredited training firm, we provide first-class professional development in a supportive and friendly environment.

Through our Level 4 Accountancy Apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and build a foundation for a successful career within accounts and business advisory. You will work with businesses across a wide range of sectors, delivering exceptional client service while earning a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

MooreMentum delivers growth advisory services to SMEs through structured programmes that guide clients from defining their vision to identifying innovative ways to stand out. As trusted advisors, the team helps clients maximise value by improving efficiency and productivity, and increasing business value for eventual sale.

From the outset, you will work closely with a portfolio of clients with whom we build long-term, trusted relationships. You’ll meet with clients regularly (at least monthly) and become a consistent point of contact as you support ongoing projects. You will get to know each client’s business, uncover the obstacles they face, and become familiar with their sector. Much of the work is continuous and evolving, giving you the opportunity to see the impact of your advice over the longer term. We encourage you to take responsibility early on, allowing you to gain exposure to all aspects of the role.

Key Responsibilities (First 12 Months)

• Supporting the team with the preparation of monthly management accounts for owner-managed businesses, including posting journals and reviewing results
• Assisting with bookkeeping queries using cloud accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks
• Supporting process improvement work, including system set-ups, reviews, and streamlining finance processes
• Helping clients improve their use of finance systems to gain better real-time insight into their business
• Assisting with the preparation of client dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics
• Using Excel extensively to analyse data and provide insight to support business decisions (not just compliance)
• Helping to prepare cash flow forecasts, budgets, and simple financial models
• Learning to interpret financial information and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for clients
• Learning how different business models work and how financial performance links to operational activity
• Developing the ability to communicate numbers clearly to business owners in a non-technical way
• Contributing to client meetings, including preparing schedules, slides, or notes
• Responding to client queries on day-to-day finance issues and system use
• Liaising with other experts on the client’s behalf to assist with other business issues (HR teams, lawyers, tax specialists, banks, etc.)
• Building awareness of wider commercial issues such as growth, funding, cash management, and business performance
• Visiting clients’ offices to engage with the wider team, not just the business owner
• Working closely with managers to free up their time by assisting with last-minute or ad-hoc tasks

There will be opportunities to progress in the business upon completion.

Training Contract & Programme

In this role, you will complete a structured two-year training contract and Level 4 apprenticeship programme. During this time, you will study towards the Level 3 and Level 4 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional qualifications. The programme is designed to give you a strong foundation in accounting while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

What This Means for You

• You will complete 10 AAT exams across key areas such as bookkeeping, financial statements, and tax
• You will gain relevant work experience, supported by on-the-job learning and guidance from your manager
• You will develop key professional skills through structured training and development
• You will be accountable for maintaining your apprenticeship file
• You will follow a planned schedule of work and study, with regular revision and training sessions leading up to key exams during the year

Support Provided

• In-person tuition with our trusted training provider during set study blocks
• Paid study leave
• Ongoing support from a Buddy, Training Manager, and Training Partner, with regular feedback and development reviews
• Access to wellbeing resources and a supportive network to help you thrive

Eligibility & Person Specification

The AAT training programme is open to students from a range of backgrounds, whether straight out of college, or someone looking for a career change or return to work. It does not require a university degree.

We provide training and support throughout your career, with a structured study and exam programme that allows you to prepare proactively—so you don’t need prior technical knowledge or experience. We do look for the following:

• A clear motivation to begin your career in accountancy, supported by an understanding of the AAT qualification
• Enthusiasm for building strong relationships and collaborating with clients and colleagues, with close support from your manager
• A proactive, results-driven attitude, ensuring excellent client service and a commitment to delivering high-quality work with integrity and professionalism
• Dedication to ethical standards, ensuring your work aligns with professional guidelines and best practices
• Strong commitment and reliability, enabling you to balance your studies and exams (with paid study leave) alongside your full-time role and responsibilities
• A growth mindset and adaptable approach, with a willingness to continuously acquire new skills and knowledge, supported by your manager, learning coach, and dedicated early talent team
• A commitment to understanding, built on respect, collaboration, and active listening

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• You must have obtained, or be on track for, 112 UCAS points from three A-Levels, or equivalent qualifications
• You do not need a degree to apply. However, if you have a degree in a subject unrelated to accounting or finance (minimum 2:2), you are still welcome to apply
• You must be permitted to work in the UK for at least 2 years from the start date of the programme