Finance degree apprenticeship UK
Earn a salary and a funded ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification at the Big Four and top UK banks. No tuition fees, no student debt.
Big Four
Top employers
PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and EY all offer dedicated school-leaver programmes
£22k–£32k
Typical starting salary
Salary increases annually; London roles often include a location uplift
ACA funded
Professional qualification
Employer and government levy cover all exam fees and tuition
What is a finance degree apprenticeship?
A finance degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 or Level 7 programme that combines full-time paid employment with a funded professional accountancy qualification. Depending on the employer, you will study towards ACA (ICAEW), ACCA, or CIMA — the three most prestigious accounting bodies in the UK.
The Big Four accounting firms (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and EY) dominate the market, but banks, insurance companies, and regional accountancy practices also run excellent programmes. You work 4–5 days a week in a real finance role and study in block releases or one day per week, graduating debt-free with a globally recognised qualification and years of professional experience.
Top employers offering finance degree apprenticeships
| Employer | Programme | Salary | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| PwC | Audit & Tax DA | £26k–£32k | ACA (ICAEW) |
| KPMG | Accounting DA | £22k–£29k | ACA (ICAEW) |
| Deloitte BrightStart | Business & Finance DA | £23k–£31k | ACA (ICAEW) |
| EY School Leaver | Accounting & Advisory DA | £22k–£28k | ACA (ICAEW) |
| Barclays | Finance & Risk DA | £22k–£28k | ACCA / CIMA |
| HSBC | Finance DA | £21k–£27k | ACCA / CIMA |
| Lloyds Banking Group | Finance DA | £20k–£26k | ACCA / CIMA |
| ICAEW-accredited firms | Various ACA routes | £19k–£26k | ACA (ICAEW) |
Estimated salary ranges for 2026. Verify with each employer's careers page before applying.
Entry requirements
3 A-levels at ABB or above (typically including a numerical subject)
Maths A-level preferred by Big Four; GCSE Maths grade 7+ usually required regardless
GCSE English Language at grade 5 (C) or above
Written communication is central to audit and advisory work
Right to work in the UK
Most programmes do not sponsor visas for school-leaver routes
Age 16 or over at start date
No upper age limit — career changers are welcome
Not already holding an equivalent professional accounting qualification
ACA/ACCA/CIMA holders cannot use the levy to re-fund the same qualification
BTEC applicants: A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business or a related numerate subject at DDM is widely accepted as equivalent to 3 A-levels. Some employers, particularly regional accountancy firms, also consider mature applicants with relevant work experience in lieu of traditional qualifications.
Live finance degree apprenticeship roles
Updated daily from UK employers.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a finance degree apprenticeship?▾
A finance degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 or Level 7 programme combining paid employment with a funded professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. You work in a real finance role while studying, graduating debt-free with a globally recognised qualification.
Do I need Maths A-level for a finance degree apprenticeship?▾
Maths A-level is preferred but not always required. Most Big Four employers ask for ABB or above including a numerical subject. Strong GCSE Maths (grade 7+) is typically required regardless. Regional and banking employers may be more flexible — always check individual listings.
Which qualification will I gain?▾
The most common qualifications funded through finance degree apprenticeships are ACA (ICAEW), ACCA, and CIMA. The Big Four primarily fund ACA. Banks such as Barclays and HSBC often offer ACCA or CIMA routes. All three are globally respected and open doors to senior finance careers.
Are the Big Four better than banks for a finance apprenticeship?▾
Both offer excellent programmes. Big Four firms (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY) provide broader exposure across audit, tax, and advisory, and the ACA qualification carries prestige in the profession. Banking apprenticeships tend to offer higher starting salaries and direct exposure to financial markets. Your career ambitions should guide the choice.
When do finance degree apprenticeship applications open?▾
Most Big Four programmes open in September or October for a following September start. Banking employers vary — Barclays and HSBC often open in January. Applications are competitive and close quickly; set up job alerts on Apprentice Wizard to be notified as soon as new listings go live.
