School Leaver Accounts Trainee (ACA) – Bournemouth – January 2027
Are you looking to start your career in Accounts? We’re seeking ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to join our team as a trainee, studying towards the ACA qualification.
About the programme
Our training contract takes 4 years to complete with full support and access to first‑class tuition centres. If you’re AAT Level 4 qualified, you will be eligible for exemptions, otherwise we ask all trainees to complete the full ACA syllabus. Studying alongside a cohort gives the best chance of exam success.
What you’ll do
Your growth doesn't just come from exams, it comes from valuable work experience and real‑world learning. You'll work in a friendly and progressive environment in a client‑facing, fast‑paced role which includes advisory elements and often deals with high‑profile clients. The work is varied and ranges from typical year‑end compliance through to ad‑hoc advisory and project work. The client base is a mix of sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, limited liability partnerships, trusts and smaller private charities.
* Preparing management accounts, including reconciling all key account balances and tailoring the presentation specific to each client
* Assisting and advising clients on issues in their accounting systems, including software migration
* Agreeing and executing payment runs on clients’ behalf using a variety of online banking platforms
* Preparing VAT and Intrastat returns
* Preparation of year‑end financial statements
* Carrying out and reviewing ad‑hoc tasks such as cash flows, budgets and information for third parties
* Maintaining relationships with clients and taking ownership of projects and tasks as appropriate
* Processing work on Xero, and other accounting software
What you’ll need
* A minimum of 120 UCAS points from your top 3 A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies and AS Levels.
* A minimum of 6 (or B) in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
* AAT qualified (preferred). If you have over 12 months relevant experience within a training contract at another firm, we recommend exploring part‑qualified opportunities on our Experienced Hire vacancy page.
What we’ll offer you
* Profit‑sharing scheme (approx. £1,000 per year)
* Generous annual leave & flexible work arrangements
* Contributory pension plan (5% salary match)
* Buddy scheme and/or line manager support
* Agile working policy (up to three days working from home, with encouragement to be in office first few months)
* Health assessments, GP access, & cancer screenings
* Access to mental health & wellbeing resources
* Mentorship & career progression opportunities
* Participation in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) programme
* Volunteer to join one of our People networks including Accessibility, Cultural Heritage, Faith, LGBTQ+, Social Mobility and Women
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