Experienced Professionals

You are our USP

How many times have you heard businesses say their people are their biggest asset? At Armstrong Watson every success we have achieved over the past 150 years has been down to our people. Our people are our USP.

Change can be tough, and we understand that changing jobs is always a difficult decision. Choosing the right employer to invest your time, and put your career and faith in, can too be really difficult.

We could tell you all about the role you would be doing and the amazing career development opportunities you would get, however, every firm will tell you that, so why not speak to us in order to understand why we are different and allow us to get to know what makes you different!

Our Talent Acquisition Team would love to get to hear about your USP.

We offer a range of excellent benefits, highly competitive salaries, and the opportunity to constantly develop your career. We are a Top 30 UK firm, however, we pride ourselves on our personal touch, and although you might look after the numbers, you won't be treated like one.

 

With Armstrong Watson, when you’re with us ... we’re with you.

Looking for a change from a Big 4/Top 10 firm?

Our people come from a range of career experiences, from home grown talent to moving to us from a Big 4.

"When I joined AW (from a big 4 firm), one of my biggest concerns was that the team wouldn’t compare to what I was used to - I shouldn’t have been! The greatest strength of the AW team is that the tax assistance I need is across the desk, not someone I have to look around the office for, and because we’re sat next to each other we talk about the issue at hand. That means not only am I upskilling my corporate finance knowledge, but I’m trusting the person not the brand. Furthermore, as we’re all in touching distance of each other we’re investing in our teams, spending time coaching them and helping them develop. What’s amazing about AW is that we understand who our current clients are and who we want as our clients. OK, I’m no longer working on FTSE 250 clients with complex derivatives, but helping a local engineer secure funding for growth and more resources is just one example of how a change of firm has helped me to make more of a difference than just a box ticking exercise."

Simon Turner, Audit and Assurance Partner

It is important to ask yourself "what sort of life do I want to live?" and work plays such a big part in getting this right. Speak to our Talent Acquisition team about the possibilities with us and we can work together to achieve the lifestyle you're aiming for.

Armstrong Watson Leadership Academy

We actively develop our experienced professionals throughout their careers.

Every year we run an academy for our high potential colleagues to develop exceptional self awareness, leadership and great client relationship skills which are critical in our business.

Careers enquiry

Our close links with professional associations is very important to us

ACA Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

The ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification, the ACA, is one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available. On completion, after a minimum of three years in a training contract, your ACA qualification will be recognised worldwide as a sign of quality and professionalism.

www.icaew.com

AAT Association of Accounting Technicians

This Internationally recognised qualification comes in three stages: level 2, level 3 and level 4. It offers students the chance to gain a real introduction to accounting and the chance to build on personal and business abilities. Completion of this leads to AAT Accountant status (MAAT).

www.aat.org.uk

ATT Association of Taxation Technicians

For students wanting to specialise in the taxation side of the accounting profession, the ATT is the route to take. As well as being educational, it also offers practical experience in the exciting world of tax compliance.

www.att.org.uk

CTA Chartered Institute of Taxation

Regarded as the 'gold standard' among tax professionals, this qualification is achieved through the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) which is the leading professional body in taxation.

www.tax.org.uk

CIPP CHARTERED Institute of Payroll Professionals

A three year qualification combining the Practitioner Certificate in Payroll, the Advanced Practitioner Certificate in Payroll and the Diploma in Payroll Management.

www.cipp.org.uk

Chartered Financial Planner

An internationally recognisable benchmark of quality and ethical practice for financial advice professionals, this qualification is achieved through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) which is the premier professional body for insurance and financial planning professionals.

Armstrong Watson

A great place to work

If you can't find what you are looking for, drop us a note today!

Get in touch

Working for Armstrong Watson

"Armstrong Watson is a fantastic firm to be part of. The recruitment process was professional and informative, and I also had a great induction day to meet fellow students and managers. The face to face interview itself is structured but gives you the chance to showcase who and what you are. I truly feel welcomed by everyone at my office and everyone wants you to succeed so are really supportive."

Trainee Tax Compliance Assistant

"The opportunity itself is a fantastic one that gives any new starter the prospect of a great career at a top-quality firm along with all the support and training needed as you progress. The way you’re treated by everyone in the firm from the day you apply makes you really want to succeed here. I know Armstrong Watson is a place I’m loving every minute working at and the colleagues I have met to date couldn’t be more pleasant and helpful."

Accounting Assistant (AAT Trainee)

"Moving to AW to complete my AAT training was the best decision I could have made. The amount of support from every member of the team is amazing. It is such a great place to work, there are so many opportunities and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to help me progress my career and knowledge of Accounting. I highly recommend this opportunity."

Cain Heyworth, Accounting Assistant (AAT Trainee)

"When I joined AW (from a big 4 firm), one of my biggest concerns was that the team wouldn’t compare to what I was used to - I shouldn’t have been! The greatest strength of the AW team is that the tax assistance I need is across the desk, not someone I have to look around the office for, and because we’re sat next to each other we talk about the issue at hand. That means not only am I upskilling my corporate finance knowledge, but I’m trusting the person not the brand. Furthermore, as we’re all in touching distance of each other we’re investing in our teams, spending time coaching them and helping them develop. What’s amazing about AW is that we understand who our current clients are and who we want as our clients. OK, I’m no longer working on FTSE 250 clients with complex derivatives, but helping a local engineer secure funding for growth and more resources is just one example of how a change of firm has helped me to make more of a difference than just a box ticking exercise."

Simon Turner, Audit & Assurance Partner

"Studying AAT has given me valuable skills and knowledge that I can apply in my day to day work, and I will now be going on to study the ACA qualification. Working within a professional environment with the acquired skills from AAT has given me the confidence to progress within the workplace and moving forward hope my career will develop with the knowledge and expertise my training has given me."

Abigail Graham, Trainee Chartered Accountant

"I joined Armstrong Watson two and a half years ago after completing an Accountancy and Finance degree. What initially attracted me to the firm was the ability to progress and gain experience in a wide range of departments across 14 offices and also feel part of a close team. I joined Armstrong Watson’s Chartered Programme in September 2015 and I am thoroughly enjoying every aspect of my job.

The firm ensure I gain as much experience as possible, tailoring my practical work experience to what I am studying at college, building my knowledge and understanding."

Annabelle Wood, Audit & Assurance Senior

"I joined Armstrong Watson in 2009 excited by the prospect of gaining qualifications as an apprentice while working full time; my preferred approach over University. Over the past nine years I’ve been supported through the AAT and ATT qualifications and given the opportunity to work with some fantastic people in different departments and locations across the firm. I’ve recently progressed to an Accounting Supervisor role advising and supporting mainly agricultural clients in and around Carlisle. The varied workload continues to challenge me day by day; just one of the things which makes Armstrong Watson a great place to work."

Murdo Laurie, Accounting Manager

"I applied for the Armstrong Watson chartered Scheme after hearing about the opportunities a friend had been given during her time on the programme. Armstrong Watson are always providing me with a broad range of experience across different offices and departments to help support my chartered studies. Not only has this helped me to put the ACA theory into practice, but it has allowed me to continually build on my professional development in the workplace. I joined the Cumbria Chartered Accountancy Student Society as both ICAEW Student Council (ISC) representative and chair and I thoroughly enjoyed the roles, and the firm fully supported my involvement allowing me time out to travel to London and Cambridge to attend quarterly ISC representative meetings for the student council."

Lauren Graham, Audit & Assurance Assistant Manager

“Earlier this year I was offered the opportunity to move to our Glasgow office to manage the accounting department as the Accounting Manager. This was an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and further my progression within the firm. Over the last 9 months the role has presented me with plenty of new challenges, tasks and increased responsibilities which I’ve enjoyed being able to deal with whilst also helping my own team progress. Personally the time I’ve been in Glasgow has helped me develop my skillsets and broaden my network within the firm with colleagues and clients. Overall this secondment has been a brilliant experience for me, made easier by the great team in Glasgow and the wider support from around the firm.”

Dan Cozens, Accounting Manager



Our Values

Passion

We share an enthusiasm for our firm and our clients. We have a real desire to contribute to making Armstrong Watson and our people successful, as well as ensuring our clients achieve success.

Trust

We can be relied upon as others have confidence in us, in our ability and in our integrity.

Humanity

Actively demonstrate compassion, consideration and kindness for others.

Honesty

We show fairness, consistency, integrity and are committed to being truthful, sincere and frank.