Armstrong Watson
Graduate Chartered Accountant
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Department: Audit Location: Manchester
About Us
Build something exceptional, with us...
Our ambition is clear and openly bold.
Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double our turnover by 2030, through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent, and the selective acquisition of like-minded firms.
But growth alone is not the goal. Reputation is. And reputation is earned, not inherited.
Our strategic intent is simple to say and hard to deliver. To become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK.
The firm business owners talk about. The firm lawyers and bankers recommend without hesitation.
To achieve this, we are building the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, not just in the North, but across the UK. Exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability define everything we do. These are not slogans; they are standards we hold ourselves to every day.
At our core, we exist for one reason, to help our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.
This strategy sets the direction. Our people, our values-led culture, and our standards will deliver it.
We are looking for people who want more than the next job. People who care deeply about:
- Standards and professionalism
- Doing work they are proud to put their name to
- Building long-term client relationships
- Being part of a firm with real momentum and intent
If you want to grow with a business that is ambitious, values-driven, and serious about excellence, Armstrong Watson offers opportunity and expectation in equal measure.
What you will find here:
- A firm with clear direction and momentum
- Clients who value advice and relationships
- Colleagues who care about doing things properly
- A culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity, and Honesty
- Genuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm grows
This is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.
The Role
Start your professional services career with one of the UK's leading independent accountancy firms. From day one, you'll work with real clients, gain professional qualifications, and receive the support needed to become a professional business adviser.
We are currently looking for our next promising cohort of Chartered Accountants to start with us in September 2027. We have positions available across our Carlisle, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Skipton & Manchester offices.
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Throughout our three-year programme, you'll gain hands-on experience working with a diverse range of clients while developing the technical, commercial, and professional skills needed to become a trusted business adviser. It's a challenging and rewarding journey that combines practical experience, professional qualifications, and structured development to build a strong foundation for your future career.
With full study support for the ACA qualification, you'll balance professional studies with real client work, applying your learning in practice from day one.
You'll join our Audit and Assurance team, working alongside experienced colleagues and supporting clients across a variety of sectors. As your confidence and expertise grow, you'll build strong professional relationships and take on increasing levels of responsibility.
Successfully completing our training programme can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities across the firm. Whether your interests lie in Restructuring & Insolvency, Corporate Finance, Business Services, or another specialist area, you'll have the opportunity to explore different career paths and continue developing your expertise as your career progresses.
The Candidate
We're looking for motivated individuals who enjoy working collaboratively, are eager to learn, and are ready to take on new challenges. In return, you'll gain valuable experience, professional qualifications, and access to rewarding opportunities that will help you build a successful long-term career.
Candidates must possess either a 2:1 degree or above (achieved or predicted) in any discipline or the full AAT Level 4 qualification. A 2:2 degree may be considered depending on the degree subject.
Candidates must also hold at least 7 GCSEs at Grade 5 (C) or above (including Maths, English, and at least one Science) or a minimum of 6 National Fives (including Maths, English, and at least one Science) at Grade C or above.
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.
You must also possess a full and valid UK Drivers Licence by September 2027 and own a vehicle which can be used for business travel to client sites that are not always accessible via public transport. There will be a short grace period permitted for acquiring a vehicle, if required. Successful candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for levy funding.
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How to Apply
If you think this is the right opportunity for you and your career, apply online with our simple application form, where you will also be asked to upload a copy of your current CV.
Please ensure that you clearly list subjects studied and grades achieved for all GCSEs and A Levels on your CV, as well as ensuring that you provide confirmation of your achieved or predicted degree result. All questions on our application form must be answered fully, or this could affect your application being progressed.
We ask that you apply for one vacancy only (as there are different vacancies listed due to multiple office options). If you are willing to work in more than one location, this can be discussed at the interview.
All successful candidates will be expected to commence their employment in September 2027. There will be a structured training programme during the first 3 weeks of the role which will require travel outside of the location that you have applied to. Please note that due to the structured training programme, no holidays can be authorized during this time.
Sponsorship Visas - Please note before applying for one of these vacancies, we are not a registered employer, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship to candidates.
All successful candidates will be asked to provide their education certificates prior to commencing their role.
The Benefits
In return for your commitment and contribution, we'll provide:
- A competitive salary with progressive increases
- Fully funded professional qualifications
- Paid study leave and training support
- A structured development programme, including technical and professional skills
- Support from experienced colleagues, mentors, and training providers
You'll also benefit from:
- 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Annual leave purchase scheme
- Health Shield Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid professional subscriptions
- Referral and reward schemes
- Regular social events and recognition initiatives
In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award-winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further.
When you're with us... we're with you.
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