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Trainee Accountant - Virtual Finance Office (VFO) (School Leaver) - AAT/ACCA.

Cambridge | 14th January 2026

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Launch your career in finance with a Trainee Accountant role in PEM’s Virtual Finance Office (VFO), working with real clients and learning how businesses run behind the scenes.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in bookkeeping, data entry and financial reporting while studying towards your ACCA qualification with a fully funded study package and first-time exam pass bonuses.

This school leaver role is perfect if you’re curious, detail-focused and ready to make an impact from day one; you’ll need at least 112 UCAS points (or a 2:2 degree) and strong GCSEs. Enjoy a market-leading salary, 25 days’ holiday plus birthday leave, enhanced pension, free onsite parking, social events and flexible benefits such as GymFlex and shopping discounts.

Apply with your CV and a short cover letter to recruitment@pem.co.uk telling us why you want to join PEM’s early careers programme.

What will you be doing day to day?

As a Trainee Accountant in VFO, you’ll play a vital role in helping businesses understand their numbers and make confident decisions for the future.

In this role, you’ll learn how to:

  • Record and organise financial information that shows the true story of a business
  • Support with preparing reports that highlight how companies are performing
  • Work with a wide range of clients from different industries – every day is different
  • Build practical skills in bookkeeping, data entry, and financial management.

What makes this opportunity exciting is that you’ll be part of a Virtual Finance Office – a modern, digital way of supporting businesses with their finances. You’ll be helping clients look ahead, giving them valuable insights to grow and succeed.

What do we offer?

You will join our dedicated accountancy training programme to become an ACCA qualified chartered accountant. Our early careers programme includes:

  • Comprehensive support to develop your skills and knowledge
  • Market leading salary
  • Fully-funded study package
  • Bonuses for successfully passing exams first time
  • 25 days annual leave
  • Birthday leave
  • Enhanced contributory pension scheme
  • Free onsite parking
  • Supported railcards
  • Social events and team-building activities to foster a fun and engaging workplace
  • GymFlex, shopping discounts, cycle to work and other flexible benefit options
  • Access to modern technology and tools that enhance your work experience
  • A friendly, supportive and flexible work environment.

What are we looking for?

  • A minimum of 112 UCAS points from all your ‘A’ Levels or a minimum 2:2 degree.
  • Strong GCSE results
  • 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.

Next steps

Apply now and enjoy the benefits of working in Cambridge in a professional and friendly environment. Please follow these steps:

  • 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 years 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.
  • Candidates will have a final interview with team managers 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.

Ready to launch your career?

Apply now!

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

Other trainee roles available

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At PEM, you’re never just a number. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious team based in the heart of Cambridge, with access to vibrant social events, exclusive networking opportunities, and a clear path for progression.

Ready to shape the future of accountancy? Apply today and launch your career with PEM.

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Trainee Accountant – Audit (School Leaver) – AAT

Launch your career as a Trainee Accountant at PEM, Cambridge’s largest independent accountancy firm. As part of our thriving Audit team, you’ll make an immediate impact working on real client projects, tackling business challenges, and seeing your ideas valued from day one. Our early years programme empowers you to learn alongside industry leaders and experienced mentors, gaining hands-on experience and expert guidance as you work toward becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. We provide full exam support and tailor your development to help you thrive.

At PEM, you’re never just a number. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious team based in the heart of Cambridge, with access to vibrant social events, exclusive networking opportunities, and a clear path for progression.

Ready to shape the future of accountancy? Apply today and launch your career with PEM.

Read more and apply

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