Kick-start a practical career in accounting and finance while earning a full BSc degree. Aston University’s Accounting & Finance Manager Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) combines on-the-job training with university learning so you gain real-world experience, professional knowledge and a recognized degree — all while employed and earning a salary. This apprenticeship is designed to develop the technical accounting skills and the management mindset employers need.
Who can apply
- School/college leavers who want to start a career in accounting and finance.
- Employees already working in finance who want to upskill to a degree-level qualification while remaining in work.
- Employers who want to train staff into accounting and finance manager roles (employer must register the apprenticeship and employ the apprentice).
Quick facts (at a glance)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Level | Level 6 (degree) |
| Duration | Approximately 2.75–3 years depending on delivery and employer arrangements. |
| Funding | Apprenticeship training funding is available under the government apprenticeship levy / funding rules (standard maximum funding band referenced for Level 6 apprenticeships). |
| Location | Aston University, Birmingham (delivered alongside workplace training. |
Entry requirements (typical)
Note: exact entry requirements can vary by employer and cohort. Below are typical requirements reported for accounting/finance apprenticeship vacancies and Aston’s course listings.
| Requirement | Typical expectation |
|---|---|
| GCSEs | Minimum 5 GCSEs (A*–C / 9–4) including Maths and English, or recognised equivalents. |
| Employment | You must be employed by (or have a confirmed job offer from) an employer willing to sponsor an apprenticeship. |
| Experience / aptitude | Demonstrable numeracy, interest in accounting, good attention to detail and IT skills (Excel etc.). |
| Other checks | Right to work and any employer-specific checks (DBS if required by employer role). |
If you don’t meet the exact grade profile, employers sometimes accept equivalent experience or alternative qualifications — check the employer vacancy and Aston’s apprenticeship pages.
Deadline & how to apply
- Application deadlines and intakes vary depending on employer recruitment cycles. Many degree apprenticeships run on a rolling/recruitment-by-employer basis so there isn’t always a single university deadline. Always check the specific apprenticeship vacancy and Aston’s course page and register interest where available.
- Practical step: Find an employer who’s advertising the Accounting & Finance Manager apprenticeship (or ask your employer if they will sponsor you), then follow the employer’s application process; Aston also lists the apprenticeship on its Degree Apprenticeships pages where you can register interest.
What the apprenticeship offers (learning & outcomes)
| Area | What you’ll gain |
|---|---|
| Degree + work | A full BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Finance while working in a real finance role. |
| Professional routes | Mapped to professional accounting knowledge may support exemptions or progression toward professional bodies (ACC A / CIMA / ICAEW) depending on module coverage and further exams. |
| Practical skills | Management accounting, financial reporting, audit basics, taxation, financial decision-making, data analysis and workplace IT skills (Excel, finance systems). |
| Career outcomes | Roles such as accounts manager, financial accountant, finance manager, reporting accountant, or progression into senior finance roles. |
Why choose this apprenticeship?
- Earn a salary while studying — no full-time tuition fees to pay personally.
- Learn in the workplace and apply theory immediately to real business problems.
- Strong employer focus — designed to produce job-ready finance professionals.