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Audit Apprenticeship (AAT) – Nonprofit sector - September 2026
- Location
London - Employer
Moore Kingston Smith - Provider
GetMyFirstJob Recruitment - Wages
£27100 per annum - Level
Higher Level 4 Apprenticeship - Apply by
Friday, October 31, 2025
Opportunity Details
Location: This position can be based in Moore Kingston Smiths City of London, Redhill, or St Albans offices
At Moore Kingston Smith, they believe in the potential of people to make a positive impact, fuelled by the power of genuine understanding. As an accredited training firm, they are committed to providing first-class professional development in a supportive and friendly environment. Through their Level 4 Audit Apprenticeship, apprentices gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and build the foundation for a successful career in audit. Apprentices work with a wide range of nonprofit clients, delivering exceptional client service while earning a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
The award-winning Nonprofit group delivers a comprehensive range of auditing and accounting services, as well as tailored offerings for the nonprofit sector. The team focuses on charities, education, and trade associations and membership bodies. According to data collated over the last 10 years from the Charity Finance Audit Survey, their charity team has consistently ranked first for overall service among the top 10 charity specialist firms in England.
As part of the nonprofit team, apprentices gain valuable experience working with a diverse range of charities and independent schools, as well as corporate exposure through engagement with trading subsidiaries and corporate membership organisations. With a team of over 70 professionals, Moore Kingston Smith is deeply committed to growth, development, and supporting trainees every step of the way.
From the outset, apprentices work with clients who choose Moore Kingston Smith because of the firm’s strong understanding of their needs. Apprentices quickly get to know clients’ organisations, uncover the obstacles they face and become familiar with their sectors. The experience is varied, with some projects lasting only a few days and others several weeks. Apprentices are encouraged to take responsibility early on, gaining experience across all aspects of the role and audit process. While this role predominantly involves nonprofit clients, apprentices also gain exposure to other teams and sectors.
With support and training, key responsibilities in the first 12 months include:
- Developing a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and auditing guidelines
- Attending client offices and representing the firm professionally as part of the audit team
- Assisting in planning audits, including reviewing prior year information and preparing lead schedules
- Performing audit testing on key financial areas such as income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Checking the accuracy of financial schedules and ensuring figures agree with supporting records
- Preparing financial statements in line with relevant standards and legal requirements
- Drafting corporation tax computations and supporting tax-related audit procedures
- Liaising with clients to gather documentation, clarify queries, and support audit progress
- Maintaining accurate and well-organised working papers in line with internal procedures
- Reviewing and updating client data in accounting and tax software systems
- Identifying and suggesting improvements to client systems and internal processes
- Supporting the preparation of audit close-out meeting materials and discussion points
- Communicating effectively with internal teams, including technical and tax departments
- Helping manage client expectations and meeting deadlines throughout the audit process
As apprentices develop experience and confidence, they begin to take more ownership of audit sections and communicate more directly with clients. They also start mentoring newer team members, contributing to planning discussions, and handling more complex technical areas.
As apprentices near completion of the AAT apprenticeship, they are considered for progression onto the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) pathway. After two further years of study, this leads to qualification as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Moore Kingston Smith offers clear progression routes and plenty of opportunity for apprentices to shape their career in the direction they choose. Many of the firm’s partners started as trainees and, through hard work, commitment and drive, progressed into leadership roles.
Kickstart Your Career!
Ready to kickstart your career? Check the key dates below and don’t miss your chance!
- Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Friday, October 31, 2025
- Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Company website: https://mooreks.co.uk/
Skills Required
The AAT training programme at Moore Kingston Smith is open to students from a range of backgrounds, whether straight out of college, looking for a career change, or returning to work. A university degree is not required.
Apprentices are provided with training and support throughout their career, and the AAT qualification pathway has a structured study and exam programme to allow proactive preparation. Prior technical knowledge or experience is not necessary, but the firm looks for the following:
- Clear motivation to pursue a career in audit and to work with nonprofit clients, 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 a manager
- A proactive, results-driven attitude, ensuring excellent client service and a commitment to delivering high-quality work with integrity and professionalism
- Dedication to ethical standards, ensuring work aligns with professional guidelines and best practices
- Strong commitment and reliability, enabling apprentices to balance studies and exams (with paid study leave) alongside full-time responsibilities
- A growth mindset and adaptable approach, with a willingness to continuously acquire new skills and knowledge, supported by a manager, learning coach and the dedicated early talent team
- A commitment to understanding, built on respect, collaboration, and active listening
Qualifications Required
Eligibility criteria:
- To have obtained, or be on track for, 112 UCAS points from three A-Levels, or equivalent qualifications
- No degree is required. However, applicants with a degree in a subject unrelated to accounting or finance (minimum 2:2) are still very welcome to apply
- To be permitted to work in the UK for at least two years from the start date of the programme
Training
This role includes a structured two-year training contract and Level 4 apprenticeship programme, during which apprentices study towards the Level 3 and Level 4 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional qualifications. It is designed to provide a strong foundation in accounting while offering valuable hands-on experience.
Apprentices will:
- Complete 10 AAT exams across key areas such as bookkeeping, financial statements and tax
- Gain relevant work experience, supported by on-the-job learning and guidance from their manager
- Develop key professional skills through structured training and development
- Be accountable for maintaining their apprenticeship file
- Follow a planned schedule of work and study, with regular revision and training sessions leading up to key exams
Moore Kingston Smith provides comprehensive support throughout, including:
- In-person tuition with their 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 apprentices thrive
The firm recognises that completing a training contract is a significant commitment, requiring time management and a proactive mindset. In return, apprentices work towards a globally respected qualification within an internationally recognised network and build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in audit and beyond.
Prospects
As apprentices develop experience and confidence, they will begin to take more ownership and communicate more directly with clients. They will start mentoring newer team members and handling more complex technical areas.
As apprentices near completion of the apprenticeship, they will be considered for further professional development opportunities.
Moore Kingston Smith offers clear progression routes, and there is plenty of opportunity to take one’s career in the direction they desire. In fact, many of the firm’s partners began as trainees and, through hard work, commitment, and drive, have progressed into leadership roles.
Other Information
Recruitment Process
Moore Kingston Smith recruits on a rolling basis and encourages early applications to avoid missing out. The application process consists of four stages:
- Application
- Interactive assessment
- Virtual interview with one of the Early Talent team
- Final interview at the relevant office
If an application progresses, the candidate will be invited to complete an interactive assessment online, with further information provided on how to prepare and what to expect.
Moore Kingston Smith’s Early Talent team supports applicants throughout the recruitment process and the training contract. They are available to confidentially discuss any individual support or adjustments needed. This may include—but is not limited to—providing extra time in the interactive assessment or sharing interview questions in advance. If successful in securing a place on the training contract, a confidential call will be arranged to discuss how Moore Kingston Smith can support apprentices to perform at their best.
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