Business Services (Accounts) - Derby Graduate 2026 Business Services Derby - Headquarters

PKF Smith Cooper Limited; Derby; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Derby is seeking graduates for their Business Services Graduate Scheme. This full-time position offers on-the-job training, professional development, and the supportive environment needed to grow as a qualified accountant. The ideal candidate will possess analytical skills, effective communication, and a keen interest in accountancy, with no prior experience required. Join a dynamic team and enjoy a competitive salary along with various perks and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private on-site gym

Life assurance and healthcare cashback

Qualifications

• Strong academic record at A Level and GCSE.
• Genuine interest in pursuing a career in accountancy.
• No prior experience required.

Responsibilities

• Compile and analyse financial data for clients.
• Assist tax team in preparing tax returns.
• Deliver financial statements and reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Effective communication skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Any degree at 2:1 or above

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Location: Derby

Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

Salary: Competitive starting salary with increases at key milestones to qualification.

Reports to: Business Services Manager

Earn as you learn on our Business Services Graduate Scheme, as you work and study your way to becoming a successful, qualified accountant for PKF. No previous accounting experience or maths-related degree is required!

Accounting is so much more than crunching numbers - it involves building relationships and using your natural problem-solving skills to deliver expert insights that help people make smarter financial decisions.

You can make a real difference to the people and businesses behind the figures. Working in an ambitious and industry-leading Business Services team, you will help a diverse range of clients across the Midlands achieve their financial goals and, ultimately, long-term success.

Forget the stereotype that working in accounts is boring - our fun and social workplace culture makes sure that life at PKF Smith Cooper is anything but. With regular events and activities plus our very own social committee, we know how to have a good time!

We are proud to champion the growth of our team members, from graduates right through to company partners. Whatever your accounting career ambitions, we can make them happen. As well as receiving on-the-job training and support from your team, PKF Smith Cooper offers a variety of professional development and progression opportunities.

For a varied and fulfilling career with significant earning potential, apply to join our Business Services Graduate Scheme today.

Job description

On our Business Services Graduate Scheme, you will really get to know our clients and build strong relationships with clients by understanding their unique financial challenges and goals, providing customised solutions, and adapting strategies as circumstances change. Ultimately, the goal is to help clients achieve financial stability, growth, and long-term success.

You would join us on an ACA or ACCA training contract, which provides you with the opportunity to work with a variety of businesses across different sectors - from national companies to entrepreneurial start-ups - and develop your knowledge as well as your experience in the process.

You will gain valuable technical skills, a broad commercial understanding, and in-depth knowledge of different industry sectors on your journey to becoming a qualified Accountant at PKF Smith Cooper.

Throughout our Business Services Graduate Scheme, you will receive the specialist support you need to reach your full potential in Business Services. With an ambitious and supportive team behind you, you will become a key player in delivering and developing our Business Services as the division grows alongside our wider practice.

Responsibilities

• Compile and analyse financial data to create comprehensive financial statements and reports, providing clients with a clear and insightful picture of their financial health.
• Work with our tax team to assist in preparing tax returns to minimise clients' tax burdens while staying fully tax-compliant.
• Act as a key player in a supportive team, contributing fresh ideas and dedication to meet and exceed client expectations.
• Contribute to the core financial documents of clients and support their financial journey, helping them make informed decisions and achieve success.

Training & Development

Training with a firm like PKF Smith Cooper offers depth and variety in your client assignments. You will benefit from exposure to a wide range of work with businesses of all sizes, many local to our offices. Our partners take a direct interest in the development and progression of our graduates, aiming to equip every graduate with the skills to become a future leader.

As an ICAEW and ACCA Approved Training Employer, we are recognised for our high-quality training and development.

Your skills and qualities:

• Any degree at 2:1 or above, with a strong academic record at A Level and GCSE.
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in accountancy.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is beneficial.
• Driving licence and car are not required but will be highly beneficial for travel to client sites.
• No prior experience required.

Why PKF Smith Cooper?

PKF Smith Cooper is the 12th largest accounting firm by UK fee income (Accountancy Age Top ) and a member of global network PKF Global. Through PKF, we operate in unison with member firms in 150 countries to share ideas, expertise and specialist resources for the benefit of our team and clients.

Our team of award-winning accountants and business advisors plans to double the size of our company within the next 5 years. As a fast-growing firm and accredited ICAEW and ACCA Approved Training Employer, we are passionate about developing 'homegrown talent'. We can help you achieve your potential through our comprehensive training, development, and progression programme.

We aim to equip every graduate with the skills to become a future leader - our very own managing partner started at PKF Smith Cooper as a graduate, so who knows what you could achieve through our graduate scheme!

Why Derby?

At our headquarters located in Pride Park, you\'ll find our main office with three floors of bright, open plan work spaces, breakout areas and modern meeting rooms. Fully equipped kitchens and dining spaces are perfect for spending time away from our desks, and you can even enjoy our private, on-site gym.

What\u2019s in it for you?

Our benefits package has been shaped by our values and our people. Here are some of the perks you can expect as part of Team PKF Smith Cooper:

• A flexible working policy and dress-for-your-diary scheme to empower you to perform at your best (subject to manager discretion).
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, with option to purchase additional leave and a birthday off.
• Prize draws four times a year for values awards-prizes include spa days, AirPods, or trips to Paris.
• A busy social calendar of team events and committees, plus monthly book club and mental health initiatives.
• Life assurance, healthcare cashback, and discounts on gym memberships and retailers (e.g., Tesco, River Island, Expedia).
• Free personal finance and mortgage advice from our financial planning experts.
• Travel opportunities with PKF One Week More and secondment opportunities worldwide.

How to apply

Apply now if you believe you have what we are looking for. If you do not tick 100% of the boxes, we still encourage you to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact the People team at or .

We only accept CVs from partnered agencies. Unsolicited CVs will be ignored. If you would like to partner with us, please contact the People team via the details above.