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

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 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.

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 technology companies to well-known charities and Cambridge colleges.
• Outstanding graduate 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 a clear pathway 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.

Your journey as a Graduate Trainee Accountant

You’ll join our dedicated graduate training programme on a three-year 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 client base across various industry sectors.
• Support basic tax computations and develop your understanding of how different areas of accountancy connect.
• 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 degree subject. You’ll be a motivated graduate who enjoys problem-solving, working with numbers and building relationships – and who wants a career, not just a job.

Essential

• A 2:2 degree or higher, ideally in a relevant or analytical subject such as maths, business, economics, accountancy, English, history or science.
• 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.

You do not need previous accountancy or audit experience; relevant knowledge and skills will be developed through the training programme. Our graduate route is designed to support graduates from a range of academic backgrounds.

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 route towards ICAEW Chartered Accountant status.

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: purchase or sell up to five days’ holiday each year.
• Birthday leave: 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.
• Fully funded professional study package.
• 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.

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 graduate 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.