Trainee Accountant – Accounts; or Graduate | AAT​/ACA)

Launch your career at Cambridge’s largest accountancy firm.

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.

As a Trainee Accountant, you’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, learning how to prepare accurate accounts and support clients with their day‑to‑day accounting and tax requirements. You’ll gain practical experience across a diverse client base while developing the technical, commercial and client‑facing skills needed for a long‑term career in accountancy.

This is more than a first job. It’s the start of a long‑term career with a firm that invests in you.

• 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 accounts assignments for a varied client base, including local owner‑managed businesses.
• 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 – Follow 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.

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.

You’ll join our dedicated early careers training programme on a degree‑equivalent apprenticeship pathway to become an ICAEW qualified chartered accountant. Depending on your previous qualifications and experience, you may begin by studying towards the AAT qualification before progressing to the ICAEW ACA qualification, or join the ACA pathway directly.

The programme combines structured study with practical work experience. You’ll receive fully funded professional study support, regular coaching and hands‑on experience working with clients. From day one, you’ll be treated as part of the team, not just a trainee.