Audit Junior ACA (Graduate Scheme) - Colchester - September 2027

Cooper & Hall Limited; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Work from home up to 2 days a week

Study support

Mentorship

Travel to client sites

Job summary

MHA is seeking an Audit Junior as part of its graduate programme. You will undertake hands-on audit work, prepare accounts and financial statements, and learn through extensive on-the-job training with mentorship.

The role involves collaboration across audit teams, development of technical skills, and exposure to diverse client environments. You’ll start with core training, build relationships with clients, and progress toward Professional Qualification (ACA Level 7) while gaining valuable

Qualifications

• Achieved 2:1 degree or above and at least 112 UCAS points from top three subjects (or equivalent).
• Audit Junior role with on-the-job training and mentorship toward ACA Level 7.

Responsibilities

• Work on audit and accounts preparation assignments with the team.
• Collaborate on audit planning memoranda with your mentor.
• Conduct analytical reviews and draft client letters.
• Prepare accounts and produce financial statements.

Skills

Initiative

Creativity

Curiosity

Teamwork

Education

2:1 degree or above

112 UCAS points (top 3 subjects)

Job description

Entry requirements:Achieved 2:1 degree or above and at least 112 UCAS points fromyour topthree subjects (or equivalent)

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

By the endofyourGraduateProgramme,you’llbe a well-rounded, commercially minded professional, ready to take on interesting and challenging responsibilities. Youwon’tjust be fully qualified -you’llbe 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’stop 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.

Ourpeople‑centredapproach is what truly makes us different. You will be welcomed as a valued member of a collaborative,purpose‑ledteam. We are committed to continuous learning, growth, and creating an environment where everyone can thriveand 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’llGo Beyond Numbers

We are looking for anAudit Juniorto 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 inAuditwill go beyond the numbers,we believe in hands-on learning.You’llbe doing real work on real projects, not just shadowing.

Whileyou’llreceivementorship and guidance, we prefer you to learn through extensive and practical on-the-job training.

Audit is a varied and highly client-facing career that gives you the opportunity to work with a wide range oforganisationsand understand how their businessesoperate.You’llspend time working at MHA offices as well as regularly travelling to and working from client sites, soyou’llneed to be comfortable working in different environments, meeting newpeople,andrepresentingMHA professionally. As some client locations may be more difficult to reach by public transport, being able to travel independently and having access to a car can be beneficial for this role. From an early stage,you’llbuild relationships with clients, askquestions,and gather the information andevidenceyou need to support your work, while collaborating closely with colleagues across the audit team.You’lldevelop your understanding of financial information and business processes, carry out testing and analytical work, and use your curiosity and professional judgement to explore anything that requires further attention. If you enjoy meeting new people, asking questions, understanding how businesses work and the variety of working with different clients and indifferent locations, Audit could be a great fit for you.

As an Audit Junior,you’llexperience the power of collaboration as you work with diverse teams on real projects,buildlasting connections with colleaguesand start off by learning the fundamentals, including:

• Working on audit and accounts preparation assignments with your team,

• Working closely with your mentor on audit planning memorandum,

• Analytical reviews,

• Drafting client letters,

• Preparing accounts and producing sets of financial statements.

• Studying towards Professional Qualification(ACA Level 7)

Rewards That Resonate

You’remore than a number to us;you’resomeonewithuniqueskillsand aspirations. Our benefits are designed to support yourwellbeing, 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 theoptionto 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.

• 30days’ 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 bonusand 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’swhy 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 willprogress 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.

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 on these, year on year, looking at new ways to promote our roles to the widest audience. Any data collected is fully anonymised before sharing with any external parties, as per our Data Protection Policy and is not visible to hiring managers, or used in any way during the selection process.