Company News
12-Month Industrial Placement – Audit & Accounts
Overview
Location:
Cambridge
Team:
Audit & Accounts
Opportunity:
Industrial Placement
Duration:
12-Month
Launch your career at Cambridge’s largest accountancy firm
Are you a motivated university undergraduate looking for an industrial placement ready to gain hands-on experience where your work matters, your development is supported 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 an Industrial Placement student in our Audit and Accounts team, you’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, assisting with audit assignments, accounts preparation and basic tax computations. You’ll gain practical experience across a diverse client base and see first-hand how accountancy and audit help businesses operate with confidence. This is more than a year in industry. It’s an opportunity to build the technical, commercial and professional skills that can shape your future career.
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 tax assignments for a varied client base, including local owner-managed businesses and growing organisations.
- 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 – Follow 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 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 an Industrial Placement student
You’ll join our Audit and Accounts team for a 12-month industrial placement, working as part of the team from day one – not just as a placement student.
Working within our Audit and Accounts team, you’ll:
- Assist with audit assignments for a varied portfolio of clients.
- Support accounts preparation and basic tax computations.
- Work on both client-site and office-based projects.
- Learn how to process, analyse and review financial information accurately.
- Develop your understanding of accounting principles, audit processes, tax and financial reporting.
- Work with experienced colleagues to ensure accuracy, compliance and high service standards.
- Handle day-to-day client queries and administrative tasks.
- Support the smooth running of assignments and help meet client deadlines.
- Learn how to identify issues, ask appropriate questions and contribute to practical solutions.
- Receive regular feedback, coaching and mentoring to support your growth.
- Build confidence communicating with clients and colleagues.
- Connect with other early careers colleagues through structured training sessions and social events.
- Build the technical, commercial and client-facing skills that can support your long-term career in accountancy.
What we’re looking for
We’re interested in the person as much as the grades. You’ll be a motivated undergraduate who enjoys problem-solving, working with numbers and building relationships – and who wants to make the most of a year in industry.
Career development
At PEM, progression isn’t something we simply talk about – it’s something we actively invest in.
You’ll benefit from:
- Comprehensive training and mentoring throughout your placement.
- Support from experienced specialists and partners.
- Regular feedback and coaching to help you develop.
- Opportunities to build your profile within the accountancy sector.
- Exposure to a broad and varied client base.
- Practical experience that can support future applications for graduate roles and professional qualifications.
Benefits & rewards
Alongside a market-leading salary, you’ll receive:
- Annual leave: 25 days per year.
- GymFlex, shopping discounts, cycle to work and other flexible benefit options.
- Social events and team-building activities to foster a fun and engaging workplace.
- Access to modern technology and tools that enhance your work experience.
- A friendly, supportive and flexible work environment.
Next steps
If you’re a motivated undergraduate looking to gain valuable experience in audit and accountancy 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 early careers 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.
