Early Careers Trainee

Early Careers Trainee

Department: Early Careers

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: London

Simmons Gainsford is proud to be part of the Sumer Group – one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy practices. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for our people, our clients, and our communities.

We provide audit, tax and advisory services to entrepreneurial businesses, SMEs and private clients. With a strong reputation built on long-term relationships and trusted expertise, we combine technical excellence with a personable and partner-led approach. Simmons Gainsford supports clients across a wide range of sectors, helping them navigate complexity, drive growth and plan confidently for the future.

We’re now inviting applications for our Early Careers Trainee Programme
, designed for those ready to take their first step into a rewarding career in Audit. You’ll gain the skills, qualifications and experience to become a fully qualified professional, supported every step of the way.

Final date to receive applications: 16th March 2026

At Simmons Gainsford, we believe your career should start with opportunity, support and real responsibility from day one. As a well-established and forward-thinking accountancy practice, we work with ambitious businesses and individuals across a wide range of sectors, delivering expert audit, tax and advisory services.

Joining us as an Early Careers Trainee means becoming part of a collaborative team where your development is taken seriously - with structured training, professional qualifications and hands‑on client exposure to help you build both confidence and capability. If you’re motivated, curious and ready to grow, Simmons Gainsford is the place to start your journey.

You’ll join a training contract, combining practical client experience with professional study towards your qualification (ACA).

Alongside your qualification, you’ll become part of the Sumer Academy – our dedicated early careers development programme. The Academy runs alongside your studies, offering a blend of online, virtual and in‑person learning focused on building both your technical skills and the soft skills that will help you thrive in your future career.

You’ll also train as part of a group‑wide cohort
, connecting with other trainees from across the Sumer Group to share experiences and learn together.

• Full study support, including paid study leave and course fees
• Buddy and mentoring systems to help you settle in and progress
• Group-wide cohort training through the Sumer Academy
• Opportunities to grow your career beyond qualification
• Exposure to a diverse range of clients and projects

To apply, you’ll need a strong academic background, including at least a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent).

• An effective communicator – confident in listening and expressing ideas clearly with clients and colleagues.
• Collaborative – a team player who enjoys sharing ideas and working together to achieve great results.
• Time efficient – able to balance work and study with good organisation and prioritisation.
• A problem solver – curious, adaptable and ready to take on challenges.
• Results focused – proud to deliver a high standard of work and service.
• Keen to learn – enthusiastic about developing your skills and career.

Our application process is designed to help you show your best self:

• CV Review
• Online testing via our partner Candi Tech (behavioural, numerical and comprehension)
• Assessment Centre & Individual Interview
• Offer

Applications will be open until 16th March 2026. We’ll send out the online tests before the assessment centre.

Our assessment centres will be held at Simmons Gainsford in London on the following dates:

• Monday 13th April 2026
• Tuesday 14th April 2026

• Location: Cavendish Square, London
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours: 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Start Date: August 2026

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all candidates. Let our team know how we can bring out your fullest potential.

We have a strong set of values that define who we are and everything we do:

• WE SHINE TOGETHER – We celebrate everyone’s individuality, and work as one team.
• WE DO THE RIGHT THING – We act with kindness, fairness and integrity in everything we do.
• WE MAKE IT COUNT – We’re quietly brave as we make a difference, every day, for our clients and communities.