Graduate accountant trainee - Professional Practice - ACA - August 2026

PKF FRANCIS CLARK; Cotswold District; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in the Cotswold District is seeking a trainee accountant to support law firms with financial information and advice while gaining valuable experience in accounting, tax, and audit. The role provides comprehensive training alongside the ACA qualification and includes a supportive environment with ongoing development opportunities. Ideal candidates are on track for a 2.2 degree or higher, with minimum UCAS points of 112 and GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above. This role will commence in August 2026.

Benefits

Pension

Group life assurance

Group income protection

Health cash plan

Option to buy extra holiday

Counselling and support

Virtual GP

Cycle to work

Shopping and gym discounts

Gifts for milestones

Volunteering day

Emergency funding support

Qualifications

• On track for, or have achieved, a 2.2 degree or above in any discipline.
• Minimum of 112 UCAS points from three A Levels or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above.

Responsibilities

• Help clients prepare year-end accounts and financial documents.
• Get involved with company taxation and VAT returns.
• Gain broad experience across accounting and tax.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

2.2 degree or above in any discipline

Minimum of 112 UCAS points

GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above

Job description

As a trainee accountant within our Professional Practices team, you'll support law firms and other professional clients with the financial information and advice they need to manage their businesses effectively. You'll gain broad experience across accounting, tax (partnership, company and personal), audit (statutory and client money audits), and preparing analysis, forecasts and projections. Our team has extensive expertise in the legal sector, and for law firm we produce detailed discussion documents explaining the accounts, benchmarking analysis, advising on capital funding and providing tax analysis. We have a strong national reputation in this area of work with clients across the country.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical, commercial and interpersonal skills
• Help clients prepare year-end accounts, accounts discussion documents, management accounts, forecasts and projections
• Get involved with company and business taxation, company secretarial matters and VAT returns
• Gain a breadth of commercial, tax and general accountancy experience
• Be part of a high performing team. We recognise that personal development training is essential in helping you to become an accountant, so alongside your ACA, you'll receive personal development training to help you grow the skills and behaviours needed to become a successful accountant.

Development and support

• A buddy before you start, to help you settle in
• A line manager and student counsellor will help you stay on track with your professional qualification and career goals
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities beyond qualifications, helping you progress into manager roles and beyond
• Taking initiative and achieving goals
• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Building strong relationships and working collaboratively
• Working with numbers and solving problems
• Being analytical and methodical in your approach

Qualifications

• On track for, or have achieved, a 2.2 degree or above in any discipline
• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (obtained from three A Levels or equivalent, excluding general studies and EPQ)
• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above
• Available to start August 2026

Benefits

• Pension
• Group life assurance – up to four times your core salary
• Group income protection
• Health cash plan to help cover the costs of everyday healthcare
• Option to buy 5 extra days holiday
• Counselling and support for you and your immediate family
• Virtual GP for you and your immediate family
• Cycle to work
• Medicash Extras providing you with shopping and gym discounts
• Gifts for career and family milestones
• One volunteering day per year to support local organisations
• Emergency funding from the Francis Clark Charitable Foundation