Early Careers Trainee

Cowgills; Whitestake; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full study support: paid study leave

Mentoring and coaching

Group-wide cohort training

Career progression opportunities

Exposure to diverse clients

Job summary

Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group in Preston, invites applications for its Early Careers Trainee Programme. You’ll join a friendly team and gain hands‑on experience in Accounts or Tax, with the aim of becoming a fully qualified professional.

The programme combines practical client work with professional study toward AAT, ACA or ATT, plus the Sumer Academy’s blend of online and in‑person learning, mentoring, and cohort training across the group.

Qualifications

• GCSE English at least grade C/5 and GCSE Maths at least grade B/6.
• Strong A-Level or equivalent academic history.
• Willing to train toward AAT, ACA or ATT.

Responsibilities

• Work within Accounts or Tax, gaining hands-on experience with clients.
• Prepare accounts or provide tax and business advice as part of the team.
• Participate in the Sumer Academy and professional study alongside practical work.

Skills

Effective communicator

Collaborative

Time management

Problem solver

Results focused

Keen to learn

Education

GCSE English C/5

GCSE Maths B/6

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).

• 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 our Bolton office.

Key Details

• Location: Meadowcroft Business Park, Pope Lane, Preston, PR4 4AZ
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Start Date: September 2027