The Department for Education ranks the firm 46th this year, improving from 64th in 2022, lauding their commitment to diversity and apprenticeship achievements.

Over its history, Armstrong Watson has consistently invested in trainees, with some existing partners originating as students. The last 12 months have seen a 100% rise in new student recruits, with 63 apprentices accepted into its fully-funded programmes, including AAT/ATT, payroll and Chartered accountancy. Meanwhile, there have also been 30 students who completed their qualifications.

Those who continue in their careers at Armstrong Watson have the opportunity to progress onto the ACA Graduate Scheme to become chartered accountants.

In early 2023 the firm strengthened its commitment to providing top-class apprenticeships by partnering with the Association of Apprentices, providing students with additional resources, access to advice and guidance and connecting them with other students and social groups.

Jane Kiernan, head of learning and development, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to be listed amongst the top tier of the country’s most outstanding apprenticeship employers for a second year in a row and as a firm, we’re incredibly proud of this recognition.

“We have a long history of developing future talent through our apprenticeship schemes in our accountancy, tax and payroll service lines, and our apprentices provide us with an incredible pool of talent, many of whom go on to achieve very long and successful careers across the business.

“We are very proud of our commitment to apprenticeships and are looking forward to taking on our next generation this summer.”

One in five of Armstrong Watson’s employees are accountancy, tax or payroll apprentices, and the firm aims to recruit even more apprentices for 2024.