Early Careers Trainee

Sumer; Stockport; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumer Group’s Cowgills division seeks an enthusiastic Early Careers Trainee to start a rewarding career in accountancy. You’ll join a friendly team, begin with practical client work in Accounts and join a structured training contract aimed at AAT or ACA, supported by the Sumer Academy and our group-wide cohort.

We offer full study support, paid study leave, mentoring, and opportunities to grow beyond qualification while working with a diverse client base in Stockport.

Qualifications

• A-Level or equivalent academic history.
• GCSE English C/5 and Maths B/6 (or equivalent).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Work with a range of clients within Accounts.
• Gain hands-on experience from day one.
• Progress through a training contract towards qualification (AAT or ACA).
• Participate in the Sumer Academy and group-wide cohort training.

Skills

Effective communicator

Collaborative

Time management

Problem solver

Results focused

Keen to learn

Education

A-Level or equivalent

GCSE English C/5

GCSE Maths B/6

Job description

Early Careers Trainee

Department: Early Careers

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Stockport

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. 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.

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 or ACA).

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: 8th December at our Stockport office.

Key Details

• Location: Rhino Court, 2 Station Vw, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 5ER
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Start Date: September 2027

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all candidates. Let our team know how we can bring out your fullest potential.

Our Values

• WE SHINE TOGETHER – We celebrate everyone’s individuality and work as one team.
• WE DO THE RIGHT THING – We act with kindness, fairness and integrity in everything we do.
• WE MAKE IT COUNT – We’re quietly brave as we make a difference, every day, for our clients and communities.