Accounts Junior ACA (Graduate Scheme) - Colchester - April 2027

MHA; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile working

30 days holiday

Full study support

Employee recognition awards

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

MHA is seeking an Accounts Junior for its graduate programme in Colchester. You will work on real client accounts, preparing financial statements and learning accounting software under expert mentorship.

By the end of the programme you’ll be fully prepared to drive your career in accounting, with hands-on learning, a supportive culture, and a clear path to a recognised professional qualification.

Qualifications

• Achieve a 2:1 degree or above and 112 UCAS points.
• Graduate programme with mentorship and professional qualification.
• Hands-on learning with real client work and projects.

Responsibilities

• Accounts preparation and final accounts work.
• Support compliance requirements and accounting processes.
• Use accounting software and tools on client projects.
• Involved in management accounts and wider advisory work.

Skills

Initiative

Creativity

Curiosity

Education

2:1 degree or above

112 UCAS points

Job description

Application deadline: 7th of December 2026 (Applications will only be reviewed once the deadline has passed)

Entry requirements: Achieved or predicted 2:1 degree or above and at least 112 UCAS points from your top three subjects (or equivalent)

We're looking for talented individuals who bring initiative, creativity, and curiosity to the table. In return, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience, receive mentorship from some of the industry's best and earn recognised professional qualification.

By the end of your Graduate Programme, you’ll be a well-rounded, commercially minded professional, ready to take on interesting and challenging responsibilities. You won’t just be fully qualified - you’ll be fully prepared to drive your own career forward.

What Sets Us Apart

At MHA, people come first, our colleagues, our clients, and the communities we support. In 2026, we ranked as number 11 in the UK’s top accountancy firms and a proud member of Baker Tilly International, the world’s 8th largest network, we combine global insight with a strong local commitment.

Our people-centred approach is what truly makes us different. You will be welcomed as a valued member of a collaborative, purpose-led team. We are committed to continuous learning, growth, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive and be themselves.

We are proud to hold the Investors in People Gold award, recognising our commitment to supporting, developing, and valuing every individual.

Here, You’ll Go Beyond Numbers

We are looking for an Accounts Junior to join us who is comfortable in an evolving environment and enjoys solving a variety of challenges that contribute to meaningful outcomes.

At MHA, you will be surrounded by passionate professionals who are committed to making a difference. Your work in Accounts will go beyond the numbers, we believe in hands-on learning. You’ll be doing real work on real projects, not just shadowing.

While you’ll receive mentorship and guidance, we prefer you to learn through extensive and practical on-the-job training.

Accounts is about working closely with businesses to help them understand their finances, meet their accounting responsibilities and make informed decisions. You’ll work with our clients across a range of industries, building relationships and gaining hands-on experience, preparing accounts, supporting compliance requirements, and using accounting technology. As you develop, you will also get involved in management accounts and wider advisory work, helping clients understand their numbers and support future growth. If you enjoy working with numbers, understanding how businesses operate and solving real client challenges, Accounts could be a great fit for you.

As an Accounts Junior, you’ll experience the power of collaboration as you work with diverse teams on real projects, building lasting connections with colleagues and start off by learning the fundamentals, including:

• Accounts preparation assignments,
• Working closely with your mentor on a wide range of client accounts,
• Working from source documents to final accounts,
• Corporation tax computations,
• Obtaining technical information on clients, where appropriate.
• Studying towards Professional Qualification (ACA Level 7)

Rewards That Resonate

You’re more than a number to us; you’re someone with unique skills and aspirations. Our benefits are designed to support your wellbeing, foster your professional growth, and recognise the contribution you make.

• Agile working: Our flexible working policy gives you greater choice over how you structure your day. With core hours of 10am-2pm, you can start earlier or finish later to suit your needs, alongside the option to work from home up to two days a week. For trainees, we ask for full office attendance during the first six months to ensure you receive the training, support and experience needed for a strong start, with greater flexibility available after that.
• 30 days’ holiday, including bank holidays, plus the opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days (28 days on a training contract, with the opportunity to buy 5 days).
• Full study support package: including exams, tuition, study leave days and materials.
• Employee recognition awards: Performance Award bonus and other recognition initiatives.
• Employee Assistance Programme: A free, confidential 24-hour support service, including unlimited counselling sessions and access to virtual doctors for you and your family.
• And lots more!

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Career?

At MHA, we know that diversity, inclusion, and belonging lead to better decisions, stronger performance, and a workplace where everyone can feel included and thrive. That’s why we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will progress you to the next stage of the process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to help you perform at your best, please let us know and we will be happy to help.