AAT-ACA Accountancy Apprentice - Audit - August 2027

PKF Francis Clark; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel expenses reimbursement

Great Place to Work

Hybrid working

Fully funded qualifications

Job summary

PKF Francis Clark invites ambitious college and sixth form leavers to join a combined apprenticeship programme to become a Chartered Accountant. Start with AAT, progress to ACA, while gaining hands-on audit experience and full funding for training and qualifications.

You will work across a diverse client base, spend time on client sites, and develop technical, analytical and communication skills in a supportive, inclusive firm with strong progression and long-term stability.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (three A Levels or equivalent)
• GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above
• Willingness to travel to client sites and other offices as required

Responsibilities

• Develop technical, commercial and interpersonal skills
• Work in small project teams on audits lasting 1-3 weeks for medium sized and large businesses
• Identify key issues and risks, using analytics tools and software to interpret data, draw conclusions and make recommendations
• Gaining experience in preparing annual statutory accounts and tax calculations, and assessing forecasts and projections
• Be part of a high performing, supportive team

Education

UCAS points

GCSE Maths/English

Job description

In a nutshell

Join our combined apprenticeship programme designed for ambitious college and sixth form leavers who want to qualify as a Charted Accountant. You’ll start by working towards your AAT qualification, then progress quickly to ACA, all while gaining valuable hands‑on audit experience.

We pay for all your training and qualifications and support you every step of the way. From day one, you'll be involved in a variety of interesting work, helping professional clients make informed business decisions while developing your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, communication and resilience.

We're proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work for the third year running. Our people enjoy a friendly culture, strong support networks, a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and a positive work life balance. Combined with clear career progression and the stability of an established and growing firm, this is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career with long-term job security.

What you'll be doing

As an Audit Apprentice, you'll gain a unique insight into how organisations really work. You'll work with a diverse range of clients, from entrepreneurial businesses and listed companies to charities, academies and professional firms, helping to assess financial information, understand business risks and deliver trusted advice. You'll spend time at client sites, meet people from all levels of an organisation and develop technical, analytical and communication skills that will set you up for a successful career in accountancy.

You will:

• Develop technical, commercial and interpersonal skills
• Work in small project teams (typically 2-5 people) on audits lasting 1- 3 weeks for medium sized and large businesses
• Identify key issues and risks, using analytics tools and software to interpret data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations
• Gain experience in preparing annual statutory accounts and tax calculations, and assessing forecasts and projections
• Be part of a high performing, supportive team

As you progress, you’ll take on more responsibility and have opportunities to make a real impact.

About you

You’ll enjoy this job if you like:

• Taking initiative and achieving goals
• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Building strong relationships and working collaboratively
• Working with numbers and solving problems
• Being analytical and methodical in your approach

Studying alongside working is demanding. As an AAT/ACA trainee, you will need to dedicate time outside working hours for study and exam preparation.

Your development

We'll provide full support for your professional qualification and help you develop the skills and behaviours needed to succeed as an accountant.

You’ll be supported every step of the way through:

• A buddy before you start to help you settle in
• A line manager and student counsellor to support your professional qualification and career goals
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities beyond qualifications, helping you progress into manager roles and beyond

Starting your career straight from college or sixth form can feel daunting, but you'll never be on your own. From day one, you'll be supported by a strong network of colleagues, from fellow trainees to managers and partners. You'll join alongside other trainees, allowing you to learn, develop and grow together.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and able to thrive. Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion helps ensure every colleague feels respected, valued and empowered to bring their whole self to work.

What we’re looking for

No previous accountancy experience is required. We're looking for individuals with potential, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. We're particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to take initiative.

You’ll be expected to demonstrate the following:

• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (obtained from three A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies and EPQ)
• GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above
• Willingness to travel to client sites and other offices as required

Salary

The salary for this role is between £22,500 and £25,000 per annum. As your experience, responsibilities and qualifications develop, there will be opportunities for salary progression throughout your career with the firm.

In addition to a competitive salary, we’ll fully fund your professional qualifications and provide study support throughout your training. You’ll also have opportunities to accrue Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) and paid overtime, recognising the additional commitment in busy times and supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Recruitment Process

Our selection process is designed to give you the opportunity to showcase your potential and demonstrate the skills that are important for success in this role, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and attention to detail.

Our selection process includes the following stages:

• Online application
• Online assessments including video interview
• In-person Assessment Centre

Assessment Centres

Our assessment centres will be held at the PKF Francis Clark Torquay office on Tuesday 1 December. As our Head Office, Torquay provides a great opportunity to experience our culture and meet colleagues from across the firm.

We appreciate that some candidates may be travelling from other locations and are pleased to reimburse travel expenses of up to £50 for attending the assessment centre. To process your claim, please keep and submit receipts for your travel arrangements.

We're committed to creating an inclusive and positive experience for all candidates. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, whether related to a disability, neurodiversity or any other need, please let us know and we'll do our best to support you.

Why work at PKF Francis Clark

As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, PKF Francis Clark offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career in the way that’s right for you.

Established in 1919, we’ve grown to nearly 1,000 people across offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro. Our size means we can offer ambitious work with exciting clients and a friendly, supportive culture.

We want you to belong, be yourself and do your best work as part of a forward-thinking team, with a flexible approach to hybrid working and a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and development.

For the past four years, PKF Francis Clark has been certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces, rising to 6th out of 100 large organisations.

We’re a top 10 Best Workplace for Women, as well as being ranked for Wellbeing, Development, and Consulting and Professional Services. These rankings are compiled by Great Place to Work, based on confidential, independent feedback from our people. In addition, we’re one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

Being a Certified B Corp means we’re held to high standards for environmental and social performance. We’re independently assessed to ensure we support our people, act responsibly and make long-term decisions that balance people and planet.

We’re proudly independent, while collaborating internationally through the PKF Global family of firms. Together we’re the 13th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK, with connections to like-minded advisers in 150 countries.

Your core benefits

Financial wellbeing

• Group personal pension to help you build your future savings through employer and employee contributions
• Group life assurance providing cover up to four times your basic annual salary
• Group income protection available after six months’ service
• Health cash plan giving money back on everyday health costs, with free cover for up to four dependent children (up to age 24 in full‑time education) and the option to add a partner or spouse

Mental wellbeing

• Counselling and emotional support for you and your immediate family
• Virtual GP and second opinion services for you and your immediate family
• Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders for confidential, peer to peer support

Physical wellbeing

• Discounted membership at gyms, pools and studios across the UK
• Digital health and wellbeing tools available through the employee health cash plan

Additional benefits

• One paid volunteering day each year to support local organisations
• Family friendly benefits, including enhanced pay, family leave coaching sessions and a parent network
• Gifts to mark key career and family milestones
• Expert led webinars on mental, physical and financial wellbeing
• Francis Clark Charitable Foundation, offering support for current and former employees experiencing financial hardship

Additional information

Closing date: Monday, 26 October 2026

Start date: Monday, 16 August 2027

INDEC