Trainee Accountant (School Leaver Programme) – Summer 2026
Join to apply for the Trainee Accountant (School Leaver Programme) – Summer 2026 role at Price Bailey.
Make your career count. At Price Bailey, we provide exciting opportunities for training, personal growth and career engagement. We believe in fostering happiness and fulfilment in your work, while supporting and inspiring you to grow. Our Smart Working culture promotes flexibility, allowing you to choose when and where you work whilst still providing excellent client care.
We’re a leading firm of chartered accountants and business advisors, offering a wide range of services including auditing, accounting, tax, and corporate finance to a diverse client base across the UK and internationally.
What Youll Be Doing
As a Trainee on our School Leaver Programme, you’ll join one of the following departments – Business, Audit & Assurance, Tax, Outsourcing or Insolvency & Recovery. During the selection process we’ll help you explore and choose the best fit.
* Business: Prepare accounts and basic tax returns using financial information provided by clients.
* Audit & Assurance: Dive into client financial accounts and carry out audit testing to ensure an independent review of their accuracy.
* Tax: Undertake corporate and personal tax compliance work on behalf of clients and assist with any HMRC queries that arise.
* Outsourcing: Act as an extension of the client’s business and carry out transactional finance tasks on their behalf.
* Insolvency & Recovery: Provide expert guidance to people or companies in financial trouble and help them decide what to do next.
You’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience of client work from day one, with direct access to partners and senior leaders who’ll support you every step of the way. You’ll also attend internal training to build essential soft skills such as time management, communication, and making a great first impression. A buddy who’s been in your shoes will guide you wherever necessary.
What Youll Learn
Depending on your department, you’ll generally study for either an AAT or ATT qualification over your first 18–24 months, followed by an ACA, ACCA or CTA qualification over the next 2½–3 years. In some cases, you’ll be enrolled straight onto the ACA programme spread over a 4½‑year pathway.
What Were Looking For
* Predicted or achieved at least 112 UCAS points (or equivalent) from your top three A‑Levels.
* GCSE English Language and Maths (or equivalent) at grade 5 or above.
* Strong communication and teamwork skills.
* Confidence using Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
What Youll Get
* Fully funded study support.
* Paid time off for college and study leave.
* 23 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
* Bonuses for passing exams.
* Contributory pension scheme.
* Share scheme for all employees.
* 2 paid volunteering days a year.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Employee Assistance Programme (with discounts).
What Happens Next
Once you apply, you’ll be invited to complete a few short tests (numerical and deductive reasoning) and a pre‑recorded video interview, all at your own pace. If successful, we’ll invite you to an in‑person assessment centre. We recruit on a rolling basis, so we recommend completing the process as soon as you can to maximise your chances of securing a place.
Price Bailey is an equal opportunities employer. We place inclusion at the heart of what we do and aspire to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people, regardless of social background, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
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