Trainee Accountant – Audit (School Leaver | AAT/ACA) – January & August

PEM; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Annual leave 25 days

Holiday purchase scheme

Birthday leave

GymFlex

Volunteer days

Exam bonuses

Free onsite parking

Railcards

Social events

Friendly and flexible environment

Job summary

PEM in Cambridge invites applications for a Trainee Accountant in Audit. You’ll join a dedicated apprenticeship to become an ICAEW chartered accountant, receiving fully funded study, exam bonuses, and guidance from managers and partners from day one.

Working in our Audit team, you’ll gain live client experience across sectors, on-site and in-office, while building the technical, commercial and client-facing skills needed for long-term progression.

Qualifications

• 112 UCAS points from all A Levels, ideally in maths, business, economics, accountancy, English, history or science.
• Strong GCSE results.
• Interest in audit or business advisory.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Professional approach with attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexibly in a busy team.
• Commitment to high professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist with accounts preparation and audit assignments across a varied client portfolio.
• Work on client sites and office-based projects.
• Learn to analyse financial information, identify risks and draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Build confidence speaking with client finance teams.
• Learn from experienced managers and partners committed to your development.
• Receive regular feedback and coaching from your manager and buddy.
• Engage with trainees across the firm through training sessions and events.
• Develop technical, commercial and client-facing skills for progression.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal abilities

Education

UCAS points requirement

Job description

Launch your career at Cambridge’s largest accountancy firm.

Are you a recent school leaver ready to start a career where your work matters, your development is backed every step of the way, and your future is built on real client experience from day one?

At PEM, you’ll join a firm that has been putting people first for over 150 years. We’ve grown into the region’s largest firm of accountants, tax and business advisers – supporting business and individuals including owner-managed businesses, technology companies, charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK. As a Trainee Accountant in Audit, you’ll work alongside experienced managers and partners, learning how to deliver high-quality audit work for a diverse and interesting client base while studying towards your AAT and, ultimately, ICAEW chartered accountant qualification.

This is more than a first job. It’s the start of a long-term career with a firm that invests in you.

Why PEM?

• A firm with heritage and purpose – Since 1875, PEM has grown from a small local practice to Cambridge’s largest firm of accountants, tax and business advisers, while keeping relationships and exceptional client service at the heart of everything we do.
• Real client exposure from the start – Work on live audit engagements across a range of sectors, from local businesses and tech start-ups to well-known charities and Cambridge colleges.
• Outstanding early careers support – Join a dedicated training programme with fully funded study, bonuses for successfully passing exams first time and a team that is invested in your success.
• Progression that’s planned, not promised – Clear pathways from trainee to senior, manager and beyond, with development in technical skills, client service and leadership.
• A culture that gives back – Through the PEM Charitable Trust, our people nominate and award grants of up to £2,000 to local Cambridge charities. To date, we’ve donated over £95,000 and celebrated our 150th grant in 2025.

Life at PEM: giving back to our community.

Across the firm, our people choose to support local causes through the PEM Charitable Trust. This is a firm-wide initiative, not a duty of this role. Colleagues nominate and award grants to local charities – donating over £95,000 to date and celebrating our 150th grant in 2025.

From charity challenges to volunteer days, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved if you wish – championing causes close to your heart and seeing the real-world impact of our collective work.

Your journey as a Trainee Accountant

You’ll join our dedicated early careers training programme on an apprenticeship to become an ICAEW qualified chartered accountant. From day one, you’ll be treated as part of the team, not just a trainee. Working within our Audit team, you’ll:

• Assist with accounts preparation and audit assignments across a varied portfolio of clients
• Work on both client sites and office-based projects, gaining exposure to our diverse and exciting client base across various industry sectors
• Learn how to analyse financial information, identify risks and form clear, evidence-based conclusions
• Build confidence speaking with client finance teams and asking the right questions
• Learn from experienced managers and partners who are invested in your development
• Receive regular feedback and coaching from your manager and buddy to support your growth
• Connect with other trainees across the firm through structured training sessions and social events
• Build the technical, commercial and client-facing skills that set you up for long-term progression

What we’re looking for.

We’re interested in the person as much as the grades. You’ll be a motivated school leaver who enjoys problem-solving, working with numbers and building relationships — and who wants a career, not just a job.

Essential:

• A minimum of 112 UCAS points from all your A Levels ideally in relevant or analytical subjects such as maths, business, economics, accountancy, English, history and science.
• Strong GCSE results
• An interest in audit or business advisory
• 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

Career development.

At PEM, progression isn’t something we simply talk about – it’s something we actively invest in.

You’ll benefit from:

• A clear pathway for career progression from trainee to senior, manager and beyond
• Ongoing technical and leadership development
• Support from experienced specialists and partners
• Opportunities to build your profile within the accountancy sector
• Exposure to a broad and varied client base

Whether your ambition is to become a senior auditor, audit manager or partner, we’ll help you get there.

Benefits & rewards.

Alongside a market-leading salary, you’ll receive:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Annual leave: 25 days per year
• Holiday purchase scheme: You can purchase or sell up to five days’ holiday each year
• Birthday leave: PEM gifts you one day’s paid leave to be taken on or near your birthday
• GymFlex, shopping discounts, cycle to work and other flexible benefit options
• Two paid volunteer days each year
• Bonuses for successfully passing exams first time
• Free onsite parking
• Supported railcards
• Social events and team-building activities to foster a fun and engaging workplace
• A friendly, supportive and flexible work environment