Audit / Accounts Trainee - School Leaver (February 2026 start)

Leadenhall Financial Management Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm of chartered accountants is offering a trainee program for school leavers in Business or Audit & Assurance. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training, benefit from study support, and gain crucial practical experience while working alongside professionals. Ideal applicants will have strong communication skills and achieve a minimum of 112 UCAS points.

Benefits

23 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Bonuses for passing exams

Contributory pension scheme

Share scheme for all employees

2 paid volunteering days a year

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme (with discounts)

Qualifications

• Predicted/achieved minimum 112 UCAS points from top 3 A-Levels.
• GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 5 or higher.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accounts and basic tax returns in Business.
• Conduct audit testing to review financial accounts in Audit & Assurance.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Confident using Microsoft Office

Excel

Education

112 UCAS points (or equivalent) from top 3 A-Levels

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 5 or above

Job description

Make your career count

At Price Bailey, we provide excitingopportunities for training, personal growth and career engagement. We believe in fostering happiness and fulfilment in your work, whilst supporting and inspiring you to grow. We understand that your life extends beyond the workplace, which is why our Smart Working culture promotes flexibility, allowing you to choose when and where you work whilst still providing excellent client care.

We're aleading firm of chartered accountants and business advisors, offering a wide range of services including auditing, accounting, tax, and corporate finance. We proudly support a diverse client base across the UK and internationally, with a strong focus on entrepreneurial, owner-managed businesses that share our passion for innovation.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Trainee on our school leaver programme, you'll join one of two departments - Business or Audit & Assurance. Not sure which one's right for you? No worries - we'll help you exploreyour options during the selection process.

Here's a quick snapshot:

• Business: in this team you'll prepare accounts and basic tax returns using financial information provided by our clients. Watch this video for a brief overview of what to expect working on in the Business team.
• Audit & Assurance: in this team you'll dive into client's financial accounts and carry out audit testing to ensure an independent review of their accuracy. Watch this video for a brief overview of what to expect working on in the Audit & Assurance team.

You'll get hands-on experience from day one, with direct access to partners and senior leaders who'll support you every step of the way.

What You'll Learn

Depending on your department, you will either be studying: a Level 4 qualification (e.g AAT) followed by a level 7 qualification; or, you will be enrolled directly onto an extended pathway Level 7 qualification, with an apprenticeship qualification if eligible. Either pathway typically takes five years. We offer full study support, including time off for college and a buddy system so you can learn from someone who's been there before. You'll also build essential soft skills like time management, communication, and making a great first impression - all while gaining real client experience.

What We're Looking For

We're all about potential. If you're motivated, curious, and ready to learn, we want to hear from you.

As minimum though, here's what you'll need:

• Predicted / have achieved at least 112 UCAS points (or equivalent) from your top 3 A-Levels
• GCSE English Language and Maths (or equivalent) at grade 5 or above
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Confident using Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

What You'll Get

• 23 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Bonuses for passing exams
• Contributory pension scheme
• Share scheme for all employees
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (with discounts)

What Happens Next

Once you apply, you'll be invited to complete a few short tests (numerical and deductive reasoning) and a pre-recorded video interview (which we watch personally) - all at your own pace. No need to do it all in one go.

If you're successful, we'll invite you to an in-person assessment centre.

We recruit on a rolling basis, so we recommend completing the process as soon as you can to maximiseyour chances of securing a place.