Trainee Accountant (AAT/ICAEW/ACCA) – East Anglia in Essex

Affinia is a UK Top 35 Accounting firm, where we support our clients with everything from day-to-day Accounting, Audit and Tax planning to strategic business advice, compliance and specialist services such as Cloud Accounting, Payroll and Mergers & Acquisitions across a wide range of sectors. We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

We focus on building authentic connections, collaboration and growth, both with our clients and colleagues, bringing together financial experts from across London, East Anglia & Southeast England. We have more than 1000 professionals across our 17+ offices and advise businesses, public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy, Tax Compliance and Advisory, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning.

We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and organic growth. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short, medium, and long-term advice.

Purpose Of The Role

Affinia is now accepting applications for our AAT and ICAEW/ACCA trainee programmes. Start date is Monday 24 August 2026 and you must be available to start on this date. This specific advert is for applications looking for roles based in our East Anglia region including office locations of Chelmsford, Harlow, and Ipswich. Please only apply if you can work full time from one of these 3 offices.

We offer opportunities across both our Accountancy and Audit teams, and candidates will be considered for roles in either department.

Study Support & Development

We provide a comprehensive study support package, including:

• Full funding of tuition and professional institute fees
• Access to either an apprenticeship pathway or a commercially funded route (for candidates aged 22+)
• Paid time off for study and exams
• Ongoing mentoring and support throughout your qualification

The Role

As a Trainee, you will gain a strong foundation in how a professional services firm operates within either Accountancy or Audit. Alongside technical training, we place a strong emphasis on developing your professional and interpersonal skills.

From the outset, you will gain hands-on client experience, supported by structured training in areas such as:

• Communication and relationship-building
• Professional conduct and client etiquette
• Making a positive and confident first impression

Working Model

We operate a hybrid working model. As a Trainee, your time will be split between:

• Working in your local office
• Visiting client sites when required
• Attending other offices where necessary
• College attendance for study and exams

Given the importance of collaboration and learning from peers and colleagues, there is an expectation that you will be primarily office-based to support your development. Any requests for home working should be discussed with your line manager.

Professional Qualifications

Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

As an AAT apprentice, you will build a strong foundation in accounting and finance. You will develop core skills in areas such as bookkeeping, alongside more advanced topics including budget management, financial performance evaluation, and both personal and corporate tax.

Our structured apprenticeship programme is designed to support your development at every stage, offering a clear and proven pathway for progression within the firm.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

An ICAEW apprenticeship provides an excellent route towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, opening opportunities across a wide range of industries. You will begin by studying towards the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB), which includes the first six modules of the ACA qualification. This is a globally recognised qualification, while also forming the first step towards full ACA status.

Support at Affinia

At Affinia, our trainees benefit from the guidance of experienced colleagues who are committed to supporting your development. We foster a collaborative and encouraging environment, ensuring you gain both the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed and progress in your accounting career. Throughout your studies, you will earn a salary while gaining valuable, hands-on business and client experience.

Please note that for all our trainee roles, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship and do not consider applicants currently on a Graduate Visa.

Skills/Qualifications

AAT Trainee Programme

We are seeking motivated school leavers (non-graduates) for our AAT trainee programme. To be considered, you should have:

• A minimum of 2 A Levels at Grade C or above, including a Maths-related subject, or
• An equivalent qualification (such as vocational qualifications)

We recognise that candidates may come from a variety of educational backgrounds, and applications with alternative qualifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Where Maths has not been studied at A Level, a minimum of Grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths is required.

ICAEW (ACA) / ACCA Trainee Programme

For our ICAEW (ACA) or ACCA pathways, we are looking for graduates who have achieved:

• A minimum 2:1 degree in any discipline

What We Are Looking For

We are interested in individuals who are ambitious, driven, and eager to build a long-term career in accountancy or Audit. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to engage professionally with clients and colleagues
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively within a team environment
• Proactivity and attention to detail, alongside a well-organised and diligent approach to work
• Flexibility, including a willingness to travel where required
• Resilience and ambition, with a clear motivation to succeed and progress
• A genuine commitment to learning and professional development
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office

You will also bring a professional and personable approach, with the ability to communicate clearly across email, phone, and face-to-face interactions.

Core Benefits

At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. We prioritise the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and take full advantage of the opportunities our growth provides. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, our core benefits include:

• 20 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Full study support including paid time off for study and exams
• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme
• Professional membership support
• Dress for your Diary Policy

Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.