Early Careers Trainee

Cowgills; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full study support

Paid study leave

Buddy/mentoring systems

Group-wide cohort training

Exposure to diverse clients and varied

Job summary

Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group, invites applications for its Early Careers Trainee Programme. You’ll begin with hands-on work in Accounts or Tax, gaining experience with a range of clients while studying towards a qualification.

The programme combines practical client work with professional study (AAT, ACA or ATT) and the Sumer Academy, offering online and in-person learning, mentoring, and a clear path to a long-term career in accountancy. Start September 2027 at the Bolton office.

Qualifications

• Strong A-Level or equivalent academic history, including English GCSE C/5 and Maths GCSE B/6.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to balance study commitments with work responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Join a training contract combining practical client experience with professional study toward qualification (AAT, ACA or ATT).
• Be part of the Sumer Academy with online and in‑person learning focused on building technical and soft skills.
• Train as part of a group‑wide cohort with fellow trainees from across the Sumer Group to learn together.

Skills

Effective communication

Team player

Time management

Problem solving

Results focused

Keen to learn

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Job description

Cowgills is proud to be part of the Sumer Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy practices. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for our people, our clients, and our communities.

We’re now inviting applications for our Early Careers Trainee Programme, designed for those ready to take their first step into a rewarding career in accountancy. Whether your passion lies in Accounts or Tax, you’ll gain the skills, qualifications and experience to become a fully qualified professional, supported every step of the way.

Role Overview

You’ll be joining a friendly, professional team where enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment are valued as highly as experience.From day one, you’ll work with a range of clients, gaining hands‑on experience within Accounts or Tax. Depending on the team you join, this could include preparing accounts or providing insightful tax and business advice.

As your confidence grows, so will your responsibilities. You’ll have opportunities to work directly with clients, contribute to projects, and gain a real understanding of how successful businesses operate.

We’ll equip you with the technical training and personal skills development you need to progress, ensuring you build a strong foundation for a long-term career in accountancy.

The programme

You’ll join a training contract, combining practical client experience with professional study towards your qualification (AAT, ACA or ATT).

Alongside your qualification, you’ll become part of the Sumer Academy, our dedicated early careers development programme. The Academy runs alongside your studies, offering a blend of online and in‑person learning, focused on building both your technical and soft skills that will help you thrive in your future career.

You’ll also train as part of a group‑wide cohort, connecting with other trainees from across the Sumer Group to share experiences and learn together.

What’s on offer

• Full study support, including paid study leave and course fees
• Buddy and mentoring systems to help you settle in and progress
• Group‑wide cohort training through the Sumer Academy
• Opportunities to grow your career beyond qualification
• Exposure to a diverse range of clients and projects

About You

To apply, you’ll need a strong A‑Level or equivalent academic history, including a minimum of a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent).

You’ll also be:

• An effective communicator – confident in listening and expressing ideas clearly with clients and colleagues.
• Collaborative – a team player who enjoys sharing ideas and working together to achieve great results.
• Time efficient – able to balance work and study with good organisation and prioritisation.
• A problem solver – curious, adaptable and ready to take on challenges.
• Results focused – proud to deliver a high standard of work and service.
• Keen to learn – enthusiastic about developing your skills and career.

The Process

Our application process is designed to help you show your best self:

• Application Review
• Online testing (behavioural, numerical and comprehension)
• Assessment Centre & Individual Interview
• Offer

Key Dates

• Advert closes: 15th November
• Online tests to be sent out to shortlisted candidates: 18th November
• Deadline for completing online tests: 24th November
• Assessment Centres: 9th & 10th December at the Bolton office.

Key Details

• Location: 4th Floor, 5B The Parklands, Middlebrook, Bolton, BL6 4SD
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Start Date: September 2027