Trainee Accountant Routes That Don't Need a Finance Degree

​Getting started in accounting doesn't always mean going off to university or picking the perfect degree course. Many people are surprised to learn that you can begin working as a trainee accountant without having studied finance at all. In fact, the route in can look very different depending on your background, your goals, and where you're based.

If you're in Cambridge and hoping for a fresh start as early spring begins to stir, it's a great moment to think differently. Maybe you're finishing school soon, or perhaps you'd like a new direction. Either way, there are plenty of grounded, real-world ways to get started without needing to follow a set academic track.

Starting with Strong GCSEs or A-Levels

Not everyone takes the university route, and for some, starting work after school can set things in motion faster than expected. A strong set of GCSEs or A-Levels, especially in maths or business, can help open doors to entry-level roles in accounting teams.

• Employers often look for steady, practical skills like following processes, managing paperwork, and keeping things organised

• Entry points like accounts assistant, invoice administrator, or billing clerk can help you learn on the job

• If you're reliable, good with numbers, and willing to ask questions, you'll likely stand out more than someone with a less practical degree

These roles aren’t high profile, but they quietly build skills that add up fast. You get to see how real finance work happens, and you can figure out from there what kind of path makes sense for you.

Learning on the Job Through Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are one of the most common ways into accounting when you don't have a finance degree. You work full-time, get paid, and study for recognised qualifications like AAT or ACCA at the same time.

• Many businesses across Cambridgeshire offer accounting apprenticeships to school leavers and career changers

• Some employers give you time off each week to study, while others offer evening or weekend learning options

• By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ve built experience, earned a qualification, and often secured a long-term role

Cavill Robinson Financial Recruitment partners with employers across Cambridge to fill junior accounts roles as well as longer-term career positions, supporting applicants looking for both temporary and permanent work.

The biggest plus here is that there's no guesswork. You’re being trained for a job while doing it. That can be more motivating than sitting in a lecture hall, especially if you've already figured out you enjoy hands-on learning.

Moving Across from a Different Job

A finance job might feel out of reach if you've been working in another area, but plenty of skills can carry over. People who’ve worked in retail, customer service, admin, or logistics often come away with a strong sense of structure and time management.

• Daily tasks like handling stock, working tills, or managing schedules all teach useful habits

• Many accounting roles rely just as much on soft skills as they do technical ones

• A career pivot doesn’t need to mean going back to square one, it can be about moving your best skills into a new setting

If you've already developed a calm approach in busy environments or learned to work well with people, you might settle into finance more easily than expected. It’s less about what job you came from, and more about how you use what you already know.

Our experience shows that candidates from many backgrounds, including those outside finance, have successfully transferred to accounting roles in Cambridge with the right support.

Taking a Part-Time Course to Set the Groundwork

For some, the right first step is taking a course alongside your day job or current responsibilities. Many colleges and training centres offer evening classes or distance-learning programmes in bookkeeping or entry-level accounting.

• Doing a course like AAT Level 2 shows you're thinking ahead, even if you're not working in finance yet

• It helps with confidence, especially when you start applying for jobs and want to show more than your current experience

• Some employers are happy to hire learners and may support your study costs once you’ve proven yourself

This kind of learning keeps pressure low. There’s time to adjust, and you get to build knowledge gradually. That’s especially helpful if it’s been a while since you last studied or you’re unsure about committing to a big formal qualification.

Building Confidence and a Direction That Works for You

The idea that you need a specific degree to become a trainee accountant is far from true. What's more important is showing up with the right outlook, a willingness to keep learning, and some clear steps that take you from where you are to where you’d like to be.

• You can get started from school, from other jobs, or from outside finance altogether

• The workplace often makes a better classroom than the lecture hall if you're someone who learns by doing

• With the right support and a bit of planning, small steps forward now can grow into solid career progress by this time next year

Some people move into accounting slowly by testing the waters through temp contracts or part-time roles. Others go all in with an apprenticeship or make the shift by training after hours. There’s no single route that works for everyone, but that’s exactly the point, the door isn’t closed just because you took a different starting point.

Thinking about trying something new in Cambridge? Whether you’re considering a career change or entering the workforce after school, becoming a trainee accountant could be more straightforward than you think. We’ve helped individuals from a variety of backgrounds build successful careers one step at a time. At Cavill Robinson Financial Recruitment, we’re here to help you look at your options and find the best starting point. Give us a call and let’s discuss what might work for you.