Early Careers Trainee

Cowgills; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid study leave

Course fees covered

Mentoring

Career progression

Diverse client exposure

Job summary

Cowgills is offering a structured training contract in Manchester, joining a friendly team. You will gain hands-on experience in accounts or tax, with opportunities to work directly with clients and contribute to projects.

The programme combines practical client experience with professional study towards qualification (AAT, ACA or ATT) via the Sumer Academy. Full study support, mentoring, and cohort training are provided to develop technical and soft skills.

Qualifications

• Strong A-Level or equivalent with GCSE English C/5 and Maths B/6.
• Good communication, teamwork, time management and problem solving.
• Keen to learn and develop through professional exams (AAT/ACA/ATT).

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience within accounts or tax.
• Work with clients and join cross-functional projects.
• Study for professional qualifications while working.

Skills

Effective communicator

Collaborative

Time management

Problem solving

Results oriented

Keen to learn

Education

A-Level or equivalent; GCSE English C/5 and Maths B/6

Job description

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

• 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 our Bolton office.

Key Details

• Location: 1st Floor, Annex, 15 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HN
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Start Date: September 2027