School Leaver Trainee Accountant

Bishop Fleming; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit and advisory firm in Exeter is offering an apprenticeship programme where you can gain valuable hands-on experience. As part of this initiative, successful candidates will have an opportunity to work in Audit, Accounting, or Tax teams while pursuing the globally-recognised ACA qualification. The firm values motivation and communication skills, and supports trainees in their personal and professional development. This is an excellent pathway for aspiring chartered accountants. Flexible working arrangements are encouraged.

Benefits

Tailored training and development opportunities

Globally-recognised qualification

Hands-on learning experience

Inclusive working environment

Qualifications

• Candidates must have 3 A Levels or equivalent at specified grades.
• At least 9 GCSEs with required grades in Maths and English are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience in Audit, Accounting, or Tax teams.
• Participate in tailored training for Level 7 Accountancy / Taxation Professional Apprenticeship.
• Contribute to business development activities and initiatives.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Enthusiasm

Motivation

Education

3 A Levels (or equivalent) with minimum grades of BBC/112 (280) UCAS points

9 GCSEs 9-5 (A-C) with at least Grade 6 (B) in Maths and English

Job description

Overview

We welcome applicants who would like the flexibility in their working arrangements, part time working, which may help to accommodate parent or carer responsibilities, further studies and activities outside of work. We are committed to welcoming new people into an inclusive working environment, where everyone is given equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We support a culture where people are valued and treated fairly with respect and differences are understood and celebrated. The more varied our workforce, the broader the expertise within our business. The broader our expertise, the greater our chances of innovation and success.

That's why we're committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion at every level. As part of our recruitment process and our commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment, we carry out background checks on all successful applicants. These checks will include verification of references, confirmation of right to work in the UK, and, where applicable, a standard or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Further details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Entry Requirements

• 3 A Levels (or equivalent) with minimum grades of BBC/112 (280) UCAS points
• 9 GCSEs 9-5 (A-C) with at least Grade 6 (B) in Maths and English

Bishop Fleming is a dynamic audit, accounting, tax and advisory business. Our strength lies in our people and the relationships they build with our clients and each other. That is why, among numerous other awards, we are Great Place to Work-Certified and ranked as a Best Workplace for Women.

If you're enthusiastic and motivated with excellent communication skills, we want to hear from you!

What You'll Gain

• Tailored Training: The Level 7 Accountancy / Taxation Professional Apprenticeship promises a fulfilling journey, offering tailored training and development opportunities.
• Partnered with ICAEW: As an esteemed partner in learning with ICAEW, you'll receive excellent support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship.
• Globally-Recognised Qualification: Achieve the recognised ACA or ACA/CTA qualification as part of our apprenticeship programme, opening doors to a globally-recognised career.
• Hands-On Learning: Dive into valuable hands‑on experience in our Audit, Accounting, or Tax teams right from the start, allowing you to make a significant impact early in your career.
• Diverse Client Base: Be part of our remarkable growth story, working with ambitious and inspiring clients across diverse industries.

Our Opportunities

As part of our apprenticeship programme you will have the opportunity to join one of two streams. You will either join our largest and fastest growing Audit department where you'll gain hands‑on experience with clients from day one, or you’ll experience rotations as part of our Launchpad Scheme working in our Accountancy, Audit and Tax teams before settling into a department. Either way, you’ll work with a wide array of sectors and, as your experience grows, so will the level of responsibility that you have. Recognised as an ICAEW Partner in Learning, you will study for the ACA qualification, enabling you to become a chartered accountant. You will be supported to complete a wide range of professional and personal development over the course of the programme, to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge that you need to aid your future career development.

Our trainees are encouraged to make a wider contribution through business development activities and initiatives such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), diversity, sports and social activities. This allows you to develop into both technical experts and the potential future leaders of our business. We know this gives our business a refreshingly different, people‑focused culture.

We have been ranked 11th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025 and have also achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating.