ACCA/ACA Accountant Apprentice
SMH Howard Matthews Ltd
UK (HG1 5PD)
Closes in 13 days (Monday 1 December 2025)
Posted on 17 November 2025
Contents
Summary
Are you looking to build a long-term career in Accountancy? Then look no further! Start your career today with a Level 7 apprenticeship with SMH Howard Matthews Ltd and Kaplan. You will be dealing with accounts, financial reports, VAT and TAX returns whilst working towards the ACCA/ACA qualification. Please note, the salary is £17k-£20k depending on qualifications and experience.
- Wage
-
£17,000 a year
- Training course
- Accountancy or taxation professional (level 7)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, times to be confirmed.
38 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 8 December 2025
- Duration
-
3 years
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Job Duties include:
- Assisting managers with a portfolio of clients
- Preparation of annual accounts
- VAT returns
- Tax returns (corporation personal, partnership)
- Client bookkeeping
- Preparation of P11ds
Where you'll work
Queensgate House, 23 North Park Road
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
UK
HG1 5PD
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
KAPLAN FINANCIAL LIMITED
Training course
Accountancy or taxation professional (level 7)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Build trusted and sustainable relationships with individuals and organisations. Consistently support individuals and collaborate to achieve results as part of a team.
- Influence the impact of business decisions on relevant and affected communities based on an appreciation of different organisations and the environments in which they operate.
- Communicate in a clear, articulate and appropriate manner. Adapt communications to suit different situations, individuals or teams.
- Identify ethical dilemmas, understand the implications and behave appropriately. Understand their legal responsibilities, both within the letter and the spirit of the law, as well as be aware of the procedures for reporting concerns over potentially unethical activities.
- Take ownership of allocated projects and effectively manage their own time and the time of others. Demonstrate good project management skills to deliver high quality work within the appropriate timeline. Act as a role model and motivate others to deliver results.
- Evaluate information quickly and draw accurate conclusions. Assess a problem from multiple angles to ensure all relevant issues are considered. Gather the appropriate facts and evidence in order to make decisions effectively.
Training schedule
There are three levels including Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills and Strategic Professional.
Applied Knowledge helps you understand the role of accounting in the business environment, and develop the practical skills and techniques expected of an accountant working in business.
The areas you will cover include:
- Business and Technology
- Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting
Applied Skills encourages you to develop a broad understanding of the role of accounting in business, and how to interpret financial information.
The area you will cover include:
- Corporate and business law (ENG) (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX-UK)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
By studying Strategic Professional, you’ll learn advanced techniques, skills, and the professional ethics required of an accountant or consultant operating at a senior level. Once you’ve successfully passed, you can apply to be a full member of ACCA.
The areas you will cover include:
Essentials
- Strategic Business Leader
- Strategic Business Reporting
Options
- Advanced Financial Management
- Advanced Performance Management
- Advanced Taxation
- Advanced Audit and Assurance
Accounting and Taxation Professional Level 7 - ACA
The gold standard in Accountancy Apprenticeships, this programme enables individuals to become fully qualified in a profession which is globally recognised and respected in areas of accountancy, taxation, finance and business.
ACA is a great option if you're looking to become a chartered accountant and work in accountancy and finance. It opens a wealth of opportunities, as you can specialise in specific areas or sectors, or work broadly across multiple industries. It consists of three levels:
- Certificate Level: You’ll be introduced to the essentials of accountancy, finance, and businesses. You’ll learn about double-entry accounting, assurance, business and technology, law, management, and taxation.
- Professional Level: This level teaches you how to apply technical knowledge to real-life scenarios. You’ll deepen your knowledge on financial reporting, audit and assurance, tax compliance, finance management, business strategy, and business planning.
- Advanced Level: You will give you the skills to understand how accountancy and finance works within businesses. You’ll learn about corporate reporting and strategic business management.
You will also be required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which will include a case study exam and project report.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will complete innovative skills and behaviours that are essential to complement the vital technical training.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
- Basic Maths (grade 9/A* - 4/C)
- Standard English (grade 9/A* - 4/C)
A Level or equivalent in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
Please note, the salary is £17k-£20k depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include: 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays). Salary sacrifice pension scheme. Health Cash Plan (Level 1). Life Assurance x 4 salary. Employee Assistance Programme.
About this employer
SMH Howard Matthews is an independent firm of Chartered Accountants based in Harrogate and Garforth. Established in 1985, the firm became part of the SMH Group following a merger in December 2023.
After this apprenticeship
Development opportunities.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
KAPLAN FINANCIAL LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000000681.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Monday 1 December 2025)
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