Audit Apprenticeship - City - March 2027

Start Date

3rd March 2027

About Moore Kingston Smith

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

Role Overview

Through our Level 4 Audit Apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and build the foundation for a successful career in audit. 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).

Advice, Audit & Accounts Team

Our Advice, Audit & Accounts team has broad experience across audit and accounts, as well as tax and other advisory services, enabling cross-discipline solutions for clients. Teams work with clients of varying sizes, from sole traders to medium and large businesses, across sectors including financial services, hospitality, real estate, and technology.

Working with Clients

From the outset, you will work with clients who choose us because we understand them well. You will get to know their businesses, uncover the obstacles they face, and become familiar with their sectors. Projects vary in length, with some lasting a few days and others a few weeks. We encourage you to take responsibility early on, and you will gain familiarity with all aspects of the role and the audit process.

Location and Working Pattern

The City office is located in central London, near the Bank of England and the global financial services district. The City office follows a hybrid approach, with trainees expected to work from the office three days per week. However, trainees should be prepared to attend more regularly when required for training, team activities, or business needs, particularly during the early stages of the programme. Travel to and attendance at client sites is also an essential requirement of the position.

City Office Client Teams

• Financial and technology
• Entrepreneurial businesses in technology, professional services, retail and leisure
• Professional services, real estate, and construction

Responsibilities (First 12 Months)

With support and training, key responsibilities in the first 12 months will include:

• Develop a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and auditing guidelines.
• Attend client offices and represent the firm professionally as part of the audit team.
• Assist in planning audits, including reviewing prior year information and preparing lead schedules.
• Perform audit testing on key financial areas such as income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
• Check the accuracy of financial schedules and ensure figures agree with supporting records.
• Prepare financial statements in line with relevant standards and legal requirements.
• Draft corporation tax computations and support tax-related audit procedures.
• Liaise with clients to gather documentation, clarify queries, and support audit progress.
• Maintain accurate and well-organised working papers in line with internal procedures.
• Review and update client data in accounting and tax software systems.
• Identify and suggest improvements to client systems and internal processes.
• Support the preparation of audit close-out meeting materials and discussion points.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, including technical and tax departments.
• Help manage client expectations and meet deadlines throughout the audit process.

Training Contract and Apprenticeship 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 your 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 and Background

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 you to have a university degree.

Training and support will be provided throughout your career with us. The AAT qualification pathway has a structured study and exam programme to allow you to prepare proactively, so you do not need to have prior technical knowledge or experience. We do look for the following:

Qualifications and Skills We Look For

• A clear motivation to pursue a career in audit, supported by an understanding of the AAT qualification and the role auditors play in supporting businesses.
• 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.
• A 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

• Achieved a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points from three A Levels (or equivalent qualifications), excluding any Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
• This role is for those without a degree. If you have a degree, please apply for one of our graduate programmes.
• To be permitted to work in the UK for at least 2 years from the start date of the programme.