Trainee Accountant (School Leaver Programme) - Summer 2026

Price Bailey; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm of chartered accountants based in Bishop's Stortford is seeking motivated individuals for a Trainee position in their school leaver program. As a Trainee, you can join departments such as Business, Audit & Assurance, or Tax while receiving support for qualifications like AAT and ACA. You'll gain practical experience and hands-on training, alongside benefits like fully funded study support, paid volunteer days, and a contributory pension scheme. Join us and start your career journey today.

Benefits

Fully funded study support

Paid time off for college and study leave

23 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Bonuses for passing exams

Contributory pension scheme

Share scheme for employees

2 paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Predicted or achieved 112 UCAS points from top 3 A-Levels.
• GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 5 or above.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accounts and basic tax returns.
• Perform audit testing on client financial accounts.
• Undertake corporate and personal tax compliance work.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

112 UCAS points or equivalent

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 5 or above

Job description

Make your career count

At Price Bailey, we provide exciting opportunities for training, personal growth and career engagement. We believe in fostering happiness and fulfilment in your work, whilst supporting and inspiring you to grow. We understand that your life extends beyond the workplace, which is why our Smart Working culture promotes flexibility, allowing you to choose when and where you work whilst still providing excellent client care.

We’re a leading firm of chartered accountants and business advisors, offering a wide range of services including auditing, accounting, tax, and corporate finance. We proudly support a diverse client base across the UK and internationally, with a strong focus on entrepreneurial, owner-managed businesses that share our passion for innovation.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Trainee on our school leaver programme, you’ll join one of the following departments – Business, Audit & Assurance or Tax. Not sure which one’s right for you? No worries – we’ll help you explore your options during the selection process.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• Business: In this team you’ll prepare accounts and basic tax returns using financial information provided by our clients. Watch this video for a brief overview of our Business team.
• Audit & Assurance: In this team you’ll dive into client’s financial accounts and carry out audit testing to ensure an independent review of their accuracy. Watch this video for a brief overview of our Audit & Assurance team.
• Tax: In this team you’ll undertake corporate and personal tax compliance work on behalf of our clients and assist with any HMRC queries that arise. Watch this video for a brief overview of our Tax team.

What You’ll Learn

Depending on your department, you’ll generally study for either an AAT or ATT qualification over your first 18–24 months, and in most circumstances this will be followed by an ACA or CTA qualification over the next 2½–3 years. In some cases, you’ll be enrolled straight onto the ACA programme spread over a 4½ year pathway.

You’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience of client work from day one, with direct access to partners and senior leaders who’ll support you every step of the way. You’ll also attend internal training to build essential soft skills like time‑management, communication, and making a great first impression. You won’t be doing this alone either – a buddy who’s been in your shoes will be on hand to help and guide you wherever necessary.

What We’re Looking For

We’re all about potential. If you’re motivated, curious, and ready to learn, we want to hear from you.

As a minimum, though, here’s what you’ll need:

• Predicted / have achieved at least 112 UCAS points (or equivalent) from your top 3 A‑Levels
• GCSE English Language and Maths (or equivalent) at grade 5 or above
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Confident using Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

What You’ll Get

• Fully funded study support
• Paid time off for college and study leave
• 23 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Bonuses for passing exams
• Contributory pension scheme
• Share scheme for all employees
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (with discounts)

What Happens Next

Once you apply, you’ll be invited to complete a few short tests (numerical and deductive reasoning) and a pre‑recorded video interview (which we watch personally) – all at your own pace. No need to do it all in one go.

If you’re successful, we’ll invite you to an in‑person assessment centre.

We recruit on a rolling basis, so we recommend completing the process as soon as you can to maximise your chances of securing a place.

Please note that assessment centres for this vacancy will take place in our Bishop’s Stortford office on Wednesday 11 and Friday 13 February 2026.