Chartered Accountant (CA) - School Leaver

ICAS; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Earn while you learn

Structured training

Pension and other benefits

Clear CA pathway

Job summary

ICAS invites school leavers to join a structured, paid training programme designed to fast-track your accountancy career.

You will learn on the job while studying for the ICAS CA qualification, with training across audit, tax, financial management, and advisory services at ICAS-authorised firms throughout the UK. This is a direct route into the profession with real duties from day one.

Qualifications

• School leavers completing A-levels (or equivalent qualifications).
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Numeracy is advantageous and willingness to study alongside work.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience across audit, tax, financial management and advisory services.
• Develop technical and professional skills through structured study and on-the-job training.
• Work with ICAS-authorised firms across the UK to progress toward the CA qualification.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

A-levels or equivalent

Job description

Job description

Want to start your career straight after school? The ICAS School Leaver Programme offers a direct route into paid training with ICAS-authorised firms. You’ll earn while you learn, gain practical business experience, and work towards the globally recognised Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification - opening doors to careers in finance, business, and leadership worldwide.

The ICAS School Leaver Programme is designed for ambitious students completing A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) who want to enter the accountancy profession without going to university. As a school leaver, you’ll join an ICAS-authorised training firm and begin a structured training agreement. This combines full-time paid employment with professional study, leading to the ICAS CA qualification. You’ll gain practical experience in areas such as audit, tax, financial management, and advisory services, while developing technical and professional skills. On completion, you’ll qualify as a Chartered Accountant (CA) - a credential respected worldwide, offering career opportunities across industries and sectors.

Why choose the ICAS School Leaver Programme?

• Earn while you learn: bypass university fees and start paid training immediately.
• Globally recognised qualification: ICAS CA status opens doors in business, finance, and leadership.
• Structured training: combine practical work experience with professional study.
• Variety of employers: train with firms ranging from small local practices to large international corporations.
• Career progression: qualify as a CA and access senior roles across industries.

What we are looking for

We welcome applications from:

• School leavers completing A-levels (or equivalent qualifications).
• Motivated individuals with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• No specific subjects are required, but numeracy and logical thinking are advantageous.
• Candidates who are committed to professional study alongside full-time work.

Location

Training opportunities are available across the UK, depending on the ICAS-authorised firm you apply to. Options range from local practices to large corporations, offering flexibility in location and type of employer.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive training salary (varies by employer)
• Paid employment from day one
• Structured study support for ICAS CA qualification
• Pension and other benefits depending on employer
• Clear career pathway to Chartered Accountant status

Contract

Training agreement leading to Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification

As the first professional body of accountants, ICAS has been developing world-class Chartered Accountants for over 160 years. Currently there are thousands of students studying the CA qualification in a wide variety of organisations across the UK and in the Channel Islands.

ICAS has more than 21,000 world-class members who work in the UK and in more than 100 countries around the world. Uniquely, ICAS is an educator, examiner, regulator, and thought-leader. We regulate our members and their firms. We represent and support our members on a wide range of issues in accountancy, finance and business and we seek to influence policy in Europe and the UK, always acting in the public interest.