The firm, which currently employs almost 200 trainees across Scotland and the North of England, featured in the Sunday Times list for a second year, having ranked 29th in 2025.

Prior to that, it appeared in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for three years, climbing from 64th in 2022 to 46th in 2023 and 37th in 2024.

The Sunday Times list, compiled by High Fliers Research, ranks employers on factors including the creation of new apprenticeships, diversity and inclusion, and completion rates.

Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson’s CEO and managing partner, said: “This continued recognition reflects the significant investment we make in our people, and our commitment to creating meaningful career opportunities through high-quality training and development.

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in our business, helping us to nurture talent from the outset and equip individuals with the skills, experience and confidence they need to succeed. We are incredibly proud of our trainees and the contribution they make across the firm.”

Trainees work towards qualifications in audit and assurance, accounting, tax, and payroll, with opportunities ranging from entry-level qualifications to graduate routes leading to Chartered ACA status. All roles offer structured study support, practical client experience and clear progression pathways.

Charlotte Farrimond, 19, joined Armstrong Watson in September and is working towards her level 4 ATT qualification. She said: “I enjoy the variety in what I am learning and I’ve found it really rewarding being able to apply what I am learning as I can see my hard work paying off immediately.

“The best thing about my apprenticeship with Armstrong Watson is how supportive everyone is. There’s always someone willing to help if you have a question. Alongside that, training on soft skills like communication has helped build my confidence at work, especially since this is my first full-time role.”