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Trainee Accountant – Accounts (School Leaver or Graduate Opportunity | AAT/ACA) – August 2027.

Cambridge | 24th September 2026

Launch your career at Cambridge’s largest accountancy firm.

Are you a recent school leaver or graduate ready to start a career where your work matters, your development is supported and your future is built on real client experience from day one?

Join PEM as a Trainee Accountant in our Accounts team and study through a degree-equivalent apprenticeship programme designed to support you towards becoming an ICAEW qualified chartered accountant.

Whether you’re ready to begin your career after completing your A Levels or equivalent qualifications, or you’re looking to build on your university studies, this is an opportunity to gain practical experience, earn a salary and work towards a respected professional qualification while learning from experienced colleagues. 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, you’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, learning how to prepare accurate accounts and support clients with their day-to-day accounting and tax requirements. You’ll gain practical experience across a diverse client base while developing the technical, commercial and client-facing skills needed for a long-term career in accountancy.

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 accounts assignments for a varied client base, including local owner-managed businesses.
  • 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 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 a degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathway to become an ICAEW qualified chartered accountant. Depending on your previous qualifications and experience, you may begin by studying towards the AAT qualification before progressing to the ICAEW ACA qualification, or join the ACA pathway directly.

The programme combines structured study with practical work experience. You’ll receive fully funded professional study support, regular coaching and hands-on experience working with clients. From day one, you’ll be treated as part of the team, not just a trainee.

Working within our Accounts team, you’ll:

  • Assist with accounts preparation for a varied portfolio of clients.
  • Support the preparation of basic tax computations.
  • Learn how to process and analyse financial information accurately.
  • Develop your understanding of accounting principles, tax and financial reporting.
  • Work with experienced colleagues to meet client requirements and deadlines.
  • Handle day-to-day client queries and support the smooth running of assignments.
  • Learn how to identify issues, ask appropriate questions and contribute to practical solutions.
  • Receive regular feedback and coaching from your manager and buddy to support your growth.
  • Build confidence communicating with clients and colleagues.
  • 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 or qualifications. Whether you’re a school leaver or graduate, you’ll be motivated to learn, enjoy problem-solving and working with numbers, and want to build a long-term career in accountancy through a degree-equivalent apprenticeship programme.

School leavers

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

Graduates

  • A minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent, ideally in a relevant or analytical subject such as maths, business, economics, accountancy, English, history or science.
  • An interest in accountancy or business advisory.

Everyone should demonstrate

  • 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.
  • The motivation to study towards and complete the relevant professional qualifications.

We welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience, including skills gained through part-time work, placements, volunteering, university societies or other commitments.

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 study programme leading towards ICAEW qualification.
  • Regular feedback, coaching and development conversations.

Benefits & rewards.

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

  • A fully funded, degree-equivalent apprenticeship programme.
  • Structured support towards AAT and/or ICAEW ACA qualifications, depending on your entry route.
  • Bonuses for successfully passing exams first time.
  • 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 bonus: 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.
  • Free onsite parking.
  • Supported railcards.
  • 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 school leaver or graduate looking to build a long-term career in accounts 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.

Hear from our team

"Since joining PEM in October 2017, I have been given endless opportunities to develop professionally, technically and personally, whilst being fully supported by the partner group. PEM is progressive, inclusive and an enjoyable place to work whilst ensuring its staff maintain a healthy work life balance."

Jemma Gibbons-Riddell, Partner

"I like that the company is big enough to offer variety and structure to its trainee programs, but also small enough to feel personal. This ‘best of both worlds’ approach has been perfect for me so far - I’ve already learnt so much both in the office and at college.”

Rachel Blunt, Manager

“Since joining PEM from Hills Road, I have seen the exposure and insight at an early stage of my career that I would not have imagined. The support I have received from PEM particularly within my team has been exceptional, making it a pleasure to work for PEM. Although it is challenging it is also equally rewarding.”

Harriet Jones, Assistant Manager

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Want to work at PEM but don’t see a suitable opening? Send us your CV anyway!