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Accounting course with a guaranteed UK work placement

A 4 month accounting career programme: 1 month theory training on Sage 50, Excel and Xero, then a guaranteed 3 month placement supervised by an experienced accountant.

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Finance

Programme overview

The Accounting Career Programme runs over four months. The first month is theory training focused on Sage 50, Microsoft Excel and Xero, the three tools UK accounting employers most consistently expect to see on a junior CV. You then move into a three month work placement supervised by an experienced accountant, applying your training to real accounting work and building the supervised experience that gets you past the no experience filter on your first paid role. Suitable for aspiring accountants, recent graduates and career changers entering finance.

Duration

4 months total

Credential

Certificate of completion, supervised work placement

Training

1 month theory, tutor supported

Placement

3 month placement, guaranteed

What You Will Gain

The outcomes built into the programme

Comprehensive training in accounting fundamentals: bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and management accounts

Real world work experience through a guaranteed 3 month placement supervised by an experienced accountant

Hands on learning with the three tools employers ask for: Sage 50, Microsoft Excel and Xero

Certificate of completion on completion to boost employability

Direct mentorship from a experienced accountant during your placement

Programme Features

What is included

3 month placement with a experienced accountant

Hands on experience in a real practice or finance function under the direct supervision of a experienced accountant.

Flexible 1 month theory phase

Self paced online theory on Sage 50, Excel and Xero with a dedicated course tutor on hand throughout.

Certificate of completion

An accounting qualification that enhances your CV and job prospects.

Expert mentorship and career support

Guidance from experienced accounting professionals, including CV writing and interview preparation.

Who Is This Programme For?

Designed for these learners

Aspiring Accountants and finance professionals breaking into the sector
Recent graduates with limited practical accounting experience
Career changers transitioning into accounting and finance
Business owners improving their financial management skills
Anyone wanting hands on experience with industry standard accounting software

Requirements

What you need to take part

No prior experience required — designed for beginners and intermediate learners
Basic computer literacy and confidence with spreadsheets
Strong attention to detail and a methodical mindset
Access to a laptop or desktop computer
Commitment to complete the 4 month training and placement programme

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Syllabus

Module by module breakdown

The training phase covers these modules in sequence. Each module includes self study material, applied exercises and course tutor support.

Month 1, week 1

Bookkeeping foundations

Double entry, journals, the trial balance, control accounts.

Month 1, week 2

Sage 50 hands on

Setup, posting, bank reconciliation, VAT codes, month end.

Month 1, week 3

Microsoft Excel for accounting

Pivot tables, lookups, basic Power Query, reconciliations.

Month 1, week 4

Xero hands on + management accounts

Cloud bookkeeping, VAT returns, budgets and variances.

Months 2-4

Work placement under a experienced accountant

Real client work and supervised application of everything from Month 1.

Fees and funding

Be clear about what is and is not included

Speak to an advisor for current programme fees. AAT exam fees, if you choose to pursue AAT separately, are paid directly to AAT and not included.

Tuition can be paid in full or in monthly instalments. Speak to an advisor for the exact figure for your chosen start date.

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Programme FAQ

Honest answers about this programme

Will I be AAT qualified at the end?

No. The programme is not AAT registered. It covers similar foundational topics and many learners use it as preparation before sitting AAT separately. Speak to an advisor about whether AAT is the right next step for you.

Will I really work under a experienced accountant?

Yes. The 3 month placement is supervised directly by a experienced accountant. This is part of the enrolment agreement.

Which is more important to learn, Sage 50 or Xero?

Both. UK accounting practices vary by firm. Sage 50 is still the most common UK desktop accounting software; Xero is the dominant cloud option. Most UK accounting roles list one or both.

What jobs can I apply for after the programme?

Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeper, junior Assistant Accountant. Typical starting salaries are £20,000 to £24,000 outside London and £25,000 to £30,000 in London.