ACA Trainee 2026

Rickard Luckin; Basildon; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Basildon is seeking ambitious individuals for the ACA Trainee Programme. Successful candidates will prepare financial statements, support audits, and gain exposure to tax processes. The firm offers a structured programme with personal development and rotation through specialist teams. Applicants should have GCSEs and A-Levels or a degree. This role supports your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant with a focus on personal growth and a supportive culture.

Benefits

Personal development support

Inclusive culture

Long-term career progression

Qualifications

• GCSE Grade A in English and Maths.
• A-Levels: 120 UCAS points excluding General Studies.
• Meet A-Level requirements for graduates.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial statements for clients.
• Support audits from planning to completion.
• Build relationships through clear communication.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to build relationships

Analytical skills

Education

GCSE in English and Maths

120 UCAS points at A-Level

2:1 degree in any discipline

Job description

Overview

ACA Trainee – Graduate & School Leaver Opportunities

Offices in Chelmsford, Basildon & Southend | Full-time | ACA Qualification. Driving licence preferred

Your future in accountancy starts here – and it’s more than just a training contract.

At Rickard Luckin, we’re proud of our reputation as one of Essex’s leading accountancy firms, built on our values of being Passionate, Personal and Professional. We’re looking for ambitious and curious individuals, whether you’re a recent graduate or an A-Level school leaver, to join our ACA Trainee Programme and start your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Our structured programme combines technical training, real client work and personal development. You’ll rotate through our specialist teams, work with a wide range of clients, and study towards your ACA qualification with support at every step.

Entry Requirements

For School Leavers:

• GCSE: Grade A (or Level 7) in English and Maths
• A-Levels: 120 UCAS points at A2 (300 under the previous system), excluding General Studies

For Graduates:

• Meet the above A-Level requirements
• Achieved (or predicted) minimum 2:1 degree in any discipline

What you’ll be doing

• Prepare financial statements and working paper files for a wide variety of clients
• Support audits from planning through to completion, including performing testing and gathering evidence
• Gain exposure to corporate and personal tax processes
• Build strong relationships with colleagues and clients through clear communication
• Balance client work with professional study, working closely with your manager and mentor
• Use our RLDA (Rickard Luckin Development Academy) and learning platforms to enhance your technical and soft skills
• Keep accurate records to support your ACA qualification and apprenticeship requirements

Why Rickard Luckin?

• Personal development:We’ll support you every step of the way – from your first exam through to your first client meeting and beyond
• Culture-led:We care about your wellbeing, growth and individuality. We’re looking for culture add, not just culture fit
• Supportive rotations:Rotate through our core teams to help you decide where your strengths and interests lie
• Long-term progression:Many of our previous trainees have gone on to become senior leaders within the firm
• Inclusive and fair hiring:Our assessments are designed to give everyone an equal opportunity to shine

The Recruitment Process

1st Stage – Initial Interview

• 30-minute video interview with our Talent Acquisition Lead
• Focus: Who you are, our values and how we’ll grow together

2nd Stage – Assessment & Colour Profile Testing

• Two-hour online assessment and working styles profile
• Helps us understand how you work best

Final Stage – In-Person Business Presentation

• Meet with one of our Client Service Directors and our HR Business Partner for Trainees
• Prepare a SWOT analysis on a company of your choice, with guidance provided

Next Steps

To apply, please send your CV and confirm that you meet the entry criteria. If you have any questions or need adjustments during the process, we’re here to help.

Join a firm where your future is personal.

We look forward to meeting the next generation of passionate professionals.

Please note, we’ll begin contacting candidates Dec '25 - Jan '26 to invite you to our Open Evening.