NEWAutumn 2026 batches now enrolling. Limited places each month.
Accountancy practices look after the finances of other businesses. A junior can work across several clients in one week, which makes practice one of the fastest ways to see how different businesses run.
Entry-level roles
Typical full-time UK figures
Each client brings different software, deadlines and questions. You might post a builder's invoices in the morning and prepare a café's VAT return in the afternoon.
Practices also feel the effect of new tax rules quickly. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is bringing more sole traders and landlords into digital record keeping, so accurate bookkeeping remains important.
Typical full-time UK figures, rounded. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Sources: National Careers Service, AAT, PayScale and Prospects, checked November 2026.
£27k
Also called Accounts Junior or Trainee Accountant
Prepares client books, working papers and basic returns.
£28k
Also called Client Bookkeeper or Outsourced Bookkeeper
Keeps client records up to date and prepares them for VAT.
£27k
Also called Bureau Payroll Assistant
Runs payroll for several client businesses.
£28k
Often part of a bookkeeping role
Reviews records and prepares VAT returns for approval.
Common requirements in UK accountancy practices adverts. They vary by employer.
Systems differ, but the accounting tasks carry across.
Xero
Sage 50
QuickBooks
ExcelIRISA short introduction, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change, so check the sources below.
VAT returns are usually sent every three months. The deadline for filing and paying is usually one calendar month and seven days after the period ends.
VAT returns must be sent using compatible software unless the business is exempt or another exception applies.
It began on 6 April 2026 for people with qualifying income over £50,000. The threshold falls to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.
Our courses build the bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and software skills practices use every day. You work on real client data, and you can talk through that work in interviews. Practice-specific systems and tax work are usually learned further on the job.
Later on: With experience and AAT or ACCA, practice staff can move towards accountant, tax and audit roles.
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Develop practical skills in bookkeeping, VAT, financial transactions and record management, giving you the knowledge and confidence to support day-to-day accounting and finance operations.
XeroQuickBooksSage 50
Accounting100 hrsIntermediate
Develop advanced payroll skills in processing, compliance, tax, National Insurance and payroll software to confidently manage accurate payroll operations.
Sage Payroll
BrightPayQuickBooks Payroll
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Build practical accounts skills covering financial records, invoices, payments, reconciliations and essential accounting processes for the workplace.
XeroSage 50QuickBooksWe offer group bookings and can tailor training to your team.
Can't find your answer? Our consultants usually reply on WhatsApp within an hour, Monday to Saturday.
They usually help with client bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, year-end working papers and client queries.
Some do, but many adverts ask for practice experience or a recognised qualification. Software skills and evidence of practical work can help you stand out.
Not always. Adverts often treat IRIS as a bonus, while Sage, Xero or QuickBooks skills are asked for more often.
Checked November 2026. Job advert requirements are based on a sample of UK adverts and vary by employer.
Places each month are limited so trainer support stays personal. Book a free 15-minute career consultation, no obligation.
14-day cancellation rights · Interest-free payment plans
