Accounts Junior ACA (Graduate Scheme) - Lancaster - September 2026

mha; Lancaster; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in the UK invites ambitious graduates to apply for their 2026 graduate program in accounting. This role offers hands-on experience, mentor support, and a path towards professional qualification. Graduates with a 2:1 degree and at least 112 UCAS points are encouraged to apply. Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a supportive network to shape your career.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid working options

Full study support

Hands-on experience

Qualifications

• A graduate willing to pursue a career in accounting and finance.
• UCAS points and degree requirements must be met.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on real projects within diverse teams.
• Prepare accounts and work closely with a mentor.

Skills

Passion for accounting and finance

Strong communication skills

Education

2:1 degree or equivalent with at least 112 UCAS points

AAT qualified

Job description

Overview

Are you a driven and ambitious graduate ready to step into the world of accounting and finance? Or perhaps you’re in your final year and preparing for the next chapter after graduation. At MHA, we’re inviting you to embark on a transformative journey where your skills will flourish and your aspirations will be nurtured.

Why MHA?

We are ranked among the UK’s top 15 accountancy firms, and we are proud to be part of Baker Tilly International, the 8th largest global network. We’re passionate about people and committed to leading with ambition. Our graduate scheme is designed for you to put your academic knowledge into practice and become a crucial asset for our clients. From day one, you will be making an impact. We work across a diverse range of sectors including fashion, leisure, hospitality, renewable energy, gaming, and motorsports, providing you with a broad perspective and varied experiences that will enrich your professional journey. With a track record of winning prestigious awards, we’re an exciting firm to join, offering you a front-row seat to impactful work and professional growth.

What You Will Enjoy at MHA

• A competitive salary and benefits: Enjoy a graduate salary package that values your contribution from the start.
• Hybrid working: Flexible working hours and the option to work from home, helping you manage work and study effectively.
• Full study support: Gain a globally recognised qualification with comprehensive support from top-tier training providers.
• Hands-on experience: Practical, on-the-job training and early client exposure.
• Career growth: Access to our national and global Baker Tilly International network, with opportunities for secondments and diverse client exposure.
• A supportive network: Mentors and peers dedicated to your success and personal development.
• Your career path is yours to shape: Many Partners, Directors and Managers started in our graduate programme and have progressed to leadership roles; you can shape your career in any direction you choose.

Working for an Award-Winning Firm

We’re proud to be recognised with top accolades, including Best Advisory Services at the Business Resilience Awards and multiple titles at the British Accountancy Awards (e.g., National Firm of the Year and Graduate Programme of the Year). We have earned the GOLD award for Investors in People, highlighting our commitment to putting people first.

Your Impact and Responsibilities

As an Accounts Junior, you’ll collaborate with diverse teams on real projects, building lasting connections with colleagues. You will start 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)

We’re dedicated to ensuring you receive the experience, personal development, and training needed to make your career both stimulating and rewarding. We’ll balance hands-on experience with professional training to support your journey toward achieving your qualification. You’ll be paired with mentors and tutors who will guide and support you every step of the way.

What We’re Looking For

While a background in finance is not required, we seek graduates with at least 112 UCAS points (or equivalent) and a 2:1 degree, or those who are AAT qualified with a minimum of 112 UCAS points. A genuine passion for a career in accounting and finance, combined with the ambition to thrive, is what truly counts.

Make 2026 YOUR year!

Our 2026 graduate programme opens the door to a career where ambition is encouraged, your skills will grow, and your contribution will matter from day one. This could be the start of something exciting and rewarding. Are you ready to begin your journey? Apply today!

Advice for Your Application

We are here to support you every step of the way, starting with your application. Our best advice is simple: be true to yourself. Technology is evolving, and the role of AI is growing. If you choose to use AI in your application, ensure it reflects your authentic voice and personal experiences. At MHA we value diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We want to see what makes you unique, including your ideas, experiences, and personality. Applications that capture your authentic self help us get to know the real you.

HINT: Check out our employability hub for more tips!

Our application form takes just a few minutes to complete and includes some diversity questions. MHA is a committed member of Access Accountancy, and as such we track our diversity stats and actively work to improve them year on year. Any data collected is fully anonymised before sharing with external parties, as per our Data Protection Policy, and is not visible to hiring managers or used in any way during the selection process.