AAT Trainee Accountant - Carlisle

If you are interested in combining your passions with a career in Accountancy, earning while you learn and avoiding university debt, then applying for one of our high‑end Trainee Accountant apprenticeships might be the perfect next step for you.

We want highly motivated and ambitious people to join our growing accountancy firm with offices across the North of England and Scotland. We see our trainees as the future of our firm and offer various training options as your career progresses with us.

When you are with Armstrong Watson LLP, you will be welcomed with rewarding work and a supportive learning environment enabling you to reach your full potential. We are proud to have been placed 29th among the Top 100 Apprenticeship employers in the UK. Our training programme brings together on‑job learning and professional qualification studies as part of our high‑end apprenticeship study packages.

You will work alongside our current apprentices who are progressing through their studies and experienced team members, who will provide you with daily assistance, foster your growth, and support your development.

You will be supported over a 3‑year period where you will gain the AAT qualification, which is a sought‑after, globally recognised accounting qualification, establishing a solid foundation for a successful career. Sitting within our Business Services Team, whether you’re preparing accounts, bookkeeping or preparing VAT returns, this is a fantastic opportunity to kick‑start a promising career and gain invaluable experience from industry experts.

Successful completion of the full AAT qualification puts you in prime position to apply for the next stage of studies under our graduate programmes. You will be eligible for exemptions from some exams which means you will be on a fast track to become a Chartered Accountant.

We want candidates who demonstrate strong communication skills, who are driven to succeed with a can‑do positive attitude and strong work ethic.

This role is suitable for those with a degree or who are due to graduate in 2026; please direct your application to our Graduate Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser positions.

Qualification Requirements

• Achieved a minimum of 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.
• Achieved already, or be predicted to achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS Points obtained at A Level, Scottish Highers or BTEC Level 3 or above.
• Be at least 18 years of age or over by 31 August 2026.

Closing date for applications is midnight on 28 June 2026.

Recruitment Process

• After the closing date, we will shortlist applications based on the set criteria. Successful candidates will be asked to complete an online assessment to evaluate numerical, problem‑solving abilities and personality and behaviours.
• Further successful candidates will be invited to attend a full competency‑based interview and a paper‑based exercise.

The Benefits

• Annual Leave entitlement of 21 days, plus Bank Holidays, accruing a day after each year (up to 26 days)
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
• Health Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health)
• Paid flu jabs and eye tests
• Introductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client)
• Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to £2,500 for each referral
• Ongoing access to online training courses and materials
• Paid professional membership fees
• Charity of the Month
• Colleague of the Month
• Subsidised social events throughout the year

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.

If you have questions, please contact Claire Connelly (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor) or Jess Law (Talent Acquisition Advisor) at