Company News
Trainee Accountant – Audit (Graduate | ACA) – January & August 2027 start dates
Overview
Location:
Cambridge
Team:
Audit
Graduate opportunity:
ACA
Job Title:
Trainee Accountant
Launch your career at Cambridge’s largest accountancy firm.
Are you a recent graduate 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 businesses 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 the ICAEW ACA qualification. The graduate route typically enables candidates to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant through a three-year ICAEW ACA degree-equivalent apprenticeship and training programme.
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 technology companies to well-known charities and Cambridge colleges.
- Outstanding graduate 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 – Follow a clear pathway 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 the 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
Graduate Trainee Accountant
You’ll join our dedicated graduate training programme on a three-year 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 client base across various industry sectors.
- Support basic tax computations and develop your understanding of how different areas of accountancy connect.
- 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 degree subject. You’ll be a motivated graduate who enjoys problem-solving, working with numbers and building relationships – and who wants a career, not just a job.
Essential
- A 2:2 degree or higher, ideally in a relevant or analytical subject such as maths, business, economics, accountancy, English, history or science.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- A professional approach with a good eye for detail.
- The ability to work flexibly and supportively within a busy team.
- Commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
You do not need previous accountancy or audit experience; relevant knowledge and skills will be developed through the training programme. Our graduate route is designed to support graduates from a range of academic backgrounds.
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.
- A structured route towards ICAEW Chartered Accountant status.
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: purchase or sell up to five days’ holiday each year.
- Birthday leave: 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.
- Fully funded professional study package.
- 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.
Next steps
If you’re a motivated graduate looking to build a long-term career in audit within one of the region’s leading firms, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the role, the team and the opportunities available at PEM.
How to apply
- Send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to recruitment@pem.co.uk.
- 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 graduate 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.
- If you pass the skills tests, you will be invited to a final interview with team members 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.
Join PEM and start your career at a firm that has been putting people first for over 150 years.
