Trainee Accountant – Audit (School Leaver) – AAT

PEM Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Trainee Accountant to join their Audit team in Cambridge. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for recent school leavers to kick-start their career in accountancy through a comprehensive apprenticeship program. You will gain hands-on experience while working towards your ICAEW qualification, supported by a market-leading salary and a fully-funded study package. Enjoy a friendly and supportive work environment, with numerous perks including annual leave, bonuses for exam success, and flexible benefits. If you're ready to embark on an exciting journey in a thriving profession, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive support for skill development

Market leading salary

Fully-funded study package

Bonuses for passing exams

25 days annual leave

Birthday leave

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Free onsite parking

Social events and team-building activities

GymFlex and shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum of three A Levels in relevant subjects required.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with accounts preparation, audit assignments, and tax computations.
• Work on client sites and office-based projects for diverse clients.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-solving Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

A Levels (A or B grade)

Strong GCSE results

Tools

Modern Technology

Job description

Trainee Accountant (School Leaver) - Audit - August 2025

Are you a recent school leaver looking for a rewarding career in accountancy?

Join PEM, Cambridge’s largest independent accountancy firm, as a Trainee Accountant in our Audit team. This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, earn a market leading salary, and work towards your ICAEW qualification through our apprenticeship program. Start your exciting journey with PEM and enjoy a supportive, friendly work environment in the heart of Cambridge.

What will you be doing day to day?

As a Trainee Accountant, you’ll assist with accounts preparation, audit assignments, and basic tax computations. You’ll work on both client sites and office-based projects, gaining exposure to our diverse and exciting client base across various industry sectors.

What do we offer?

You will join our dedicated early careers training programme on a 4 year apprenticeship to become an ICAEW qualified chartered accountant. Our early careers training programme includes:

• Comprehensive support to develop your skills and knowledge
• Market leading salary
• Fully-funded study package
• Bonuses for successfully passing exams first time
• 25 days annual leave
• Birthday leave
• Enhanced contributory pension scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Social events and team-building activities to foster a fun and engaging workplace
• GymFlex, shopping discounts, cycle to work and other flexible benefit options
• Access to modern technology and tools that enhance your work experience

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of three A Levels (A or B grade) in relevant subjects (maths, business, economics, etc.)
• Strong GCSE results
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Professional approach with a good eye for detail
• Ability to work flexibly and supportively within a busy team
• Commitment to maintaining high professional standards

Next steps

Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Cambridge in a professional and friendly environment. Please follow these steps:

• A member of our talent team will review your application and assess your suitability for the role.
• If selected, you will be invited for an initial call with our talent team where you can discuss your skills and experiences in more detail and crucially why you would like to join PEM’s early years programme.
• If successful, you will be asked to complete a number of short skills tests to evaluate your numerical, written reasoning and attention to detail skills.
• Candidates will have a final interview with team managers to discuss the role and your potential fit within the team.
• If selected, you will receive a formal offer, and we will guide you through the onboarding process to get you started on your exciting journey with PEM.