Early Careers Trainee

Want to earn while you learn? Kick-start your career with a role at Scrutton Bland.

Looking for a career you can grow into?
Whether you’re finishing school, graduating from university or looking for a career change – there’s more than one way to begin your career in accountancy, audit or tax.
Our trainee roles are designed to help you learn on the job, gain a professional qualification, and build a future you can be proud of, whichever path you take to get there.

Early Careers Programme.
You’ll join a training contract and programme, combining practical client experience with professional study towards your qualification (AAT, ACA or ATT).
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.

What’s on offer:

• 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.

Entry Criteria.
We look for people who have a strong A-Level or equivalent academic history, including a minimum of a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent). This criteria has been set to select candidates who’ll be able to undertake professional qualifications alongside developing in their role.

We’re seeking individuals who are:

• Effective communicators.
• Collaborative.
• Time efficient.
• Problem-solvers.
• Results focused.
• Keen to learn.

What you’ll do.
From day one, you’ll be working towards a professional qualification while gaining hands-on experience with real clients. You’ll develop technical knowledge, soft skills and commercial awareness that will set you up for a long-term career.
You’ll get involved in a wide range of work, including:

• Applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations
• Working with businesses locally, across the UK and overseas
• Building your skills in networking, teamwork, creative thinking and time management
• Creating a development plan with your line manager
• Contributing ideas and suggesting improvements
• Learning from experienced colleagues and becoming a trusted adviser

Who you’ll work with.
You’ll work with a variety of clients, each of different sizes and with various complexities. Some may be start-ups looking to gain finance to kick-start their business. Others may be family-owned businesses preparing to pass the company on to the next generation, or large corporations with offices throughout the UK and overseas.
Clients operate across a wide range of sectors including agriculture, charities, tech and construction. There is a broad mix of work to get involved with, giving you exposure to different industries and challenges.

Development.
You’ll benefit from technical and soft skills training that is fast-paced, interactive and ongoing. From structured learning to on-the-job experience, we’ll support you every step of the way as you work towards your professional qualification.
You’ll learn from experienced colleagues and have regular opportunities to build your confidence, take on responsibility and grow. At the end of your programme, you’ll be fully qualified and supported in the next stage of your career, whether that’s continuing in your team or exploring something new within the business.

Application process.
Our Early Careers Trainee Programme is designed for those ready to take their first step into a rewarding career in accountancy. Whether your passion lies in Audit, Accounts or Tax, you’ll gain the skills, qualifications and experience to become a fully qualified professional, supported every step of the way.
Applications are now open and will close on 25th October 2026.

Salary.
Our Early Careers scheme offers a great starting salary, which is competitive locally and benchmarked regularly. You’ll also benefit from structured pay increases as you progress through your qualification and training.
You’ll receive a competitive starting salary based on your experience and relevant qualifications. Your pay will be reviewed regularly, and we make sure your efforts are recognised and rewarded. Our salaries are benchmarked against others in the industry to ensure they remain competitive. You’ll also have access to our flexible benefits package, which includes a number of voluntary options such as private medical cover, subsidised gym membership, shopping discounts and health cash plans.

We’re committed to being an inclusive employer and want to make sure that financial circumstances never prevent someone from joining us. If you need support, this is handled confidentially and discreetly, with complete respect for your privacy.