Graduate Programme

"After completing an Accountancy and Finance degree at Durham University, I joined Armstrong Watson in September 2021. Naturally, starting the graduate scheme was quite daunting at first but my colleagues couldn’t have made me feel more welcome and right from day one I have felt like a valued member of the Armstrong Watson team."

Audit & Assurance Assistant, Newcastle

"I joined Armstrong Watson in September 2020, having gained an Engineering degree from Exeter University. Training for the ACA qualification is helping me develop skills I gained at University and grow, working within a fast-paced, professional environment. Armstrong Watson supports and guides me throughout my professional journey ensuring that I have the skills to help a range of clients."

Audit & Assurance Assistant, Leeds

"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."

Trainee Chartered Accountant, Carlisle

"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."

Audit & Assurance Senior, Carlisle

"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 Senior 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