Graduate Trainee Accountant

Scholes Chartered Accountants; Kirkwall; Remote; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full ICAS study support

Structured on-the-job training

Job summary

Scholes Chartered Accountants in Kirkwall is seeking a Graduate Trainee Accountant for an office-based role. You will train towards the ICAS Chartered Accountant qualification with full study support, mentoring, and practical experience.

Join a supportive team gaining exposure to VAT, tax, audits, bookkeeping and accounts preparation for Scottish SME clients across sectors. This role offers structured on-the-job training and clear progression paths.

Qualifications

• Strong university degree or on-track to achieve one.
• Genuine interest in accountancy and business.
• Willing to train towards ICAS qualification.

Responsibilities

• Financial accounting and preparation of accounts
• Personal and business taxation
• Audit assignments
• Bookkeeping and management information
• VAT compliance and advisory work

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Numeracy/Analytical skills

Education

University degree

ICAS Chartered Accountant qualification

Job description

Kirkwall Office | Office‑based | Competitive Salary

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated graduate to train for the full ICAS Chartered Accountant qualification, supported by a comprehensive and structured programme of study support, mentoring and practical experience.

The Role

As a Graduate Trainee Accountant, you will work as part of a supportive and collaborative team, gaining exposure to a wide range of interesting and varied assignments for Scottish SME clients across multiple sectors.

From the outset, you will be involved in real client work and will enjoy the full breadth of experience required to develop into a well‑rounded Chartered Accountant. Your role will include work across:

• Financial accounting and preparation of accounts
• Personal and business taxation
• Audit assignments
• Bookkeeping and management information
• VAT compliance and advisory work

You will work closely with colleagues at all levels of the firm, allowing you to build strong technical skills, develop commercial awareness, and gain a clear understanding of how professional advice supports clients in practice.

Training and Development

We are committed to developing our people and take pride in the quality of our training environment. You will study towards the ICAS Chartered Accountant qualification, with:

• Full study support, including course fees and exam support
• Structured on‑the‑job training and mentoring
• Exposure to a wide variety of clients and assignments
• Ongoing feedback and development throughout your training contract

This role is designed to provide a fulfilling and comprehensive training experience, ensuring you qualify with confidence and capability.

We believe strongly in promoting from within. Successful trainees will have excellent opportunities to progress within the firm following qualification, including pathways into management and senior management roles.

You will be joining a firm that values long‑term careers, professional development and personal growth.

About You

We are looking for a graduate who is enthusiastic, motivated and keen to build a career in professional practice. You will ideally:

• Hold (or be on track to achieve) a strong university degree
• Have a genuine interest in accountancy and business
• Be well organised with good attention to detail
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Be keen to learn and develop within a team environment

Prior experience in an accountancy practice is not essential, as full training will be provided.

The Package

• Full ICAS study support
• Structured training and mentoring
• Broad and varied client experience

Location

This is an office‑based role in our Kirkwall office.