Graduate Trainee Chartered Accountant September 2026

RPG Chartered Accountants; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Greater Manchester is seeking enthusiastic trainee chartered accountants to start their professional careers. Positions focus on accountancy or audit with advanced training culminating in the ICAEW ACA qualification. Candidates must have a predicted 2:1 degree or equivalent qualifications, and strong communication and analytical skills are essential. Applications close on 31st October 2025. This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Fully funded ICAEW professional qualification

Employer's contributions to pension scheme

Flexible benefits package

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic individuals ready to kick-start their accountancy career.
• Confidence in using everyday IT tools.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Work towards a personal development plan.
• Communicate with clients to gather necessary information.
• Support engagement teams in audit planning and completion.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Time management

Analytical skills

Team player

Education

Predicted or achieved 2:1 degree or above

GCSE Maths and English at Grade 6/B or above for non-graduates

Tools

Everyday IT tools

Job description

RPG Chartered Accountants is pleased to invite applications for trainee chartered accountant positions, starting in September 2026. Whether you are interested in accountancy, audit, or a bit of both, this is your chance to kick-start a professional career straight after school, college, or university.

You can either apply to follow either an accountancy-focused route within our Business Services Group (BSG) team or an audit-focused path in our Audit team. Both routes, however, will provide a strong foundation in general accountancy and business.

The application deadline is Friday 31^st October 2025.

About RPG:

RPG Chartered Accountants is one of the leading independent firms of chartered accountants in Manchester, with a second office located in North Wales. Our North Wales office is home to RPG Chartered Financial Planners – our financial planning and wealth management division – as well as half of our RPG Payroll Services team.

Across the RPG Group, we have a team of over 100 professionals working across various service lines. This allows us to support a broad client base, with businesses ranging in size from small enterprises with turnovers of £50,000 to large companies exceeding £850 million. Our clients operate across a wide variety of sectors, and some of the work we carry out is highly specialist. Notably, RPG is one of fewer than 30 accountancy firms in the UK (as of August 2024) regulated to carry out Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits. This accreditation enables us to audit FTSE and AIM-listed companies, as well as regulated entities such as Friendly Societies.

We also have several clients with overseas interests, and we are supported in this through our membership of DFK Internationalwhich is a global association of independent accounting firms and their expert teams, working closely together across 430 office in over 90 countries. Each member firm, independently owned and managed, meets the DFK standard of excellence.

RPG is committed to fostering a positive work environment and a healthy work-life balance. We strive to support all our people with comprehensive training. We place great emphasis on training, development, and the long-term progression of our people. We also actively support diversity, equity, and inclusion across the firm and ensure all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Our wellbeing and social programme further reflect our people-first approach. More information about the role and our culture is available on ourRecruitment page.

About the qualification:

At RPG, trainees work towards the prestigious ICAEW ACA qualification. This structured training typically takes between three to five years and combines comprehensive, hands-on work experience with a robust study programme. Delivered in partnership with leading professional training providers.

Please note:

• If you are an applying to join our Audit team, you will begin the ICAEW ACA qualification upon starting the role and progress through the qualification alongside your work. Non-graduates will complete the qualification as part of a Level 7 Apprenticeship (subject to eligibility). If you are a non-graduate joining our Business Services Group (BSG) team, you will first complete the AAT Level 4 qualification before commencing the ICAEW ACA qualification to ensure you are fully prepared. Graduates joining the BSG team will start the ICAEW ACA qualification immediately.

In addition to gaining real-world experience from day one, trainees benefit from paid study leave, dedicated tuition support, and a personal development plan focused on building both technical knowledge and commercial awareness.

You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, committed to helping you succeed in your professional journey.

About the role:

All roles will involve elements of the following:

• Working towards a personal development plan to deliver quality, timely work and achieve long-term career goals. Communicating with clients to gather necessary information and clarify queries. Developing strong client relationships and ensuring excellent client service. Working as part of a team with colleagues across several service lines. Helping with the preparation of financial statements in accordance with relevant accounting standards, typically Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Accounting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.’ Gaining knowledge of broader commercial, financial and taxation issues. This will either be undertaken from our office or at a client’s premises. Supporting engagement teams in the planning, execution and completion of audit engagements, including fieldwork and documentation. Maintaining accurate and organised working papers and documentation for engagements.

Benefits:

• A competitive salary, subject to annual merit-based reviews and exam progression. A fully funded ICAEW professional qualification. Employer’s contributions to the company pension scheme (if applicable). Free parking on a rota basis, with free out-of-hours Manchester City Centre parking. Flexible benefits package including shopping discounts, cycle to work and electric car scheme. Regular technical, technological, compliance and business skills training. You will initially receive 20 days holiday per year (3 to be taken between Christmas and New Year) plus bank holidays, subject to progressive increases. Death in service cover of 4 x salary.

About you:

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are ready to kick-start their career in accountancy. We are looking for:

• For graduates - a predicted or achieved 2:1 degree or above – any subject is welcome, not just accounting or finance. For all applicants (graduates and non-graduates) - a UCAS tariff of 120 (that's equivalent to BBB at A-Level). For non-graduates - GCSE Maths and English at Grade 6/B or above.

And just as importantly, we are after individuals who bring the right attitude and mindset to the team. You should have:

• Strong communication and people skills. Good time management and organisation. Confidence using everyday IT tools. Good analytical and problem-solving skills. Motivation, initiative, and a willingness to get stuck in. A genuine desire to learn and grow. Team player. And yes… a sense of humour definitely helps!

Please submit a cover letter along with your CV [e-mail]. For guidance on drafting a strong cover letter, you may find thiswebsitehelpful.Please see below for some guidance questions which you could include an answer to within your cover letter:

What inspired you to pursue a career in accountancy, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field in the future?Why do you believe RPG is the right firm for you, and how do you think you can add value to our team?What kind of employer would you like to work for? What is important to you? What sort of people would you like to work with?

In your cover letter, you must clearly state the following:

Whether you are applying as a graduate or a non-graduate.Whether you are interested in the Audit-focused role or the Accountancy-focused role (BSG).

All applications must be submitted by close of business on Friday 31^st October 2025. If you submit an application after this date, it will not be considered.