Careers | Trainee Accountant - Audit

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

Next steps.

If you’re a motivated school leaver 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 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.

Other jobs available

Trainee Accountant – Audit (Graduate | ACA) – January & August 2027

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.

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

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.

Trainee Accountant - Audit (School Leaver | AAT/ACA) - January & August 2027 start dates..