At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in accountancy while studying for your CFAB qualification.
- Company: Join Goodman Jones LLP, a top accountancy practice in London's West End.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive salary, study support, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy firm-wide events, social activities, and a dynamic team culture.
- Why this job: Start your career without a degree and gain valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A-Levels or equivalent with strong numeracy and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 30000 £ per year.
Stepping into the world of work can feel daunting – we get it! Choosing where to start your career is a big decision, and we know it can feel overwhelming to enter the professional world for the first time. At Goodman Jones LLP, we’re here to guide and support you, providing real, hands‑on experience while also ensuring you have the time and resources to pass your six CFAB exams. You don’t need a degree to have a successful career in accountancy; just ambition, curiosity, and the right firm to support you.
This is a two-year Level 4 Apprenticeship, giving you a professionally recognised qualification while you earn and learn.
What your two years will look like:
- The two-year ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting & Business training programme is designed to give you real‑world experience while studying for your ICAEW CFAB qualification (the start to being an accountant).
- In Year 1, you’ll start by learning the basics and getting to know your team members. Your introduction to accounting will be structured and delivered by our team and First Intuition College, where you’ll attend alongside your fellow trainees.
- After your first 12 months, you’ll be confident in double-entry bookkeeping, Trial Balances (TBs), preparing accounts for companies, partnerships, individuals, and charities, and handling VAT return submissions, company accounts, and corporation tax returns.
- In Year 2, you’ll gain more independence, supporting new CFAB trainees and working with larger businesses and international clients. You’ll take on more complex accounts, VAT returns, and direct client communication, building the experience needed for the next stage of your career.
Once you’ve completed your six exams and two years of experience, we hope you’ll have caught the accounting bug! The next stage would be to join our ACA trainees, transitioning into an Audit‑focused role, setting you up for a long‑term career at Goodman Jones LLP.
The bits we think you’ll want to know…
- Full ICAEW CFAB Study Support with college day release; we cover all tuition fees, exam costs, and professional subscriptions.
- 6 weeks paid study leave; dedicated time off to learn, revise and focus on passing your exams.
- Hybrid working; 3 days in the office, 2 days at home (if you want it, many of our team love coming in every day!).
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays); more than the industry standard.
- Full time, flexitime; we respect personal time and well‑being.
- A supportive team environment; work alongside experienced professionals who want to see you succeed.
- Starting salary: £27,000 increasing as you go through your 2 years.
- West End office; 5 minutes from Goodge Street and Warren Street stations.
- The social side? You’ll feel part of the team from the start. Firm‑wide events, charity fundraising, sports clubs and regular social get‑togethers. Within the trainee cohort there’s real camaraderie, you’re all in it together, and that makes a difference.
Applications close Monday 30th March at 5pm.
Interested? Application guide:
- You will need to apply using your CV (please submit in PDF format and ensure the document is saved as FirstName.Surname.CFAB) and include a cover letter letting us know:
- Why you are interested in a career in pursuing the CFAB.
- Why you have chosen this path over university.
- Something interesting about you (don’t skip this, it’s our favourite part of your application, and we promise it is read by a human not AI!).
- That you are available on the interview dates below and you would be available to start on 24th August 2026 (we can’t move this date).
- Where you spotted the job advertised.
- Anything else you think we should know about you.
Everyone who applies will receive a response on or before Thursday 2nd April 2026.
The interview process & key dates:
We know this bit might seem daunting, and we know you may not have done many interviews before, don’t panic! We take nerves into account and will send you preparation materials and support you every step of the way. Potential CFAB trainees go through a 3‑stage interview process, including some online skills assessments during the process, but you will talk to a human at every step, no AI interviews!
- First Interviews (w/c 13th April 2026): A discovery call with Michelle from our Talent Team, via Microsoft Teams.
- Second Stage (23rd & 24th April 2026): Interview with two Managers in our office.
- Final Stage (w/c 5th May 2026): Meeting with Giuseppe, our Head of Audit & Accounts, in our office.
- Offers made in early May; no long waiting times; we’ll get back to you quickly.
June & July Meet & Greet Events; come to the office, meet the team, and get to know the other CFAB trainees before you start. Summer Party invite because why wait until August to start feeling part of the team?
Start Date: 24th August 2026; your accountancy career begins!
Who we’re looking for:
We’re excited to hear from A‑Level students who want to start their career in accountancy, no degree required! Although it might seem a bit needy, here are a few things we need you to have to be our type on paper…
- A‑Levels or equivalent with a minimum of 120 UCAS points.
- Strong numeracy and analytical skills; you’ll be working with financial data every day!
- A logical, problem‑solving mindset; we love curiosity and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills; you’ll be interacting with clients and colleagues daily.
- Time management and organisation; ability to juggle work, study, and deadlines.
- IT confident; comfortable with Excel, Word, and excited to learn new accounting software and AI.
- A positive, can‑do attitude; willingness to learn and grow in a fast‑paced environment.
These aren’t essential but are nice to have:
- A strong academic background in Maths, Economics, Business Studies, or Accounting.
- Any previous office experience, even a short internship or work experience. (And if it’s within an accounting or finance‑related role, our Recruiter Michelle might even do a little happy dance at her desk!)
Who are Goodman Jones LLP?
We’re a Top 60 Accountancy Practice, based in the heart of London’s West End for over 90 years. We’re proud of our independence, strong reputation, and supportive culture. Many of our 12 Partners started as trainees and now lead a diverse team of 100+ professionals across the firm. Want to get a feel for life at Goodman Jones LLP? Check out our social media channels.
Diversity & inclusion at Goodman Jones LLP: We believe that diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and better outcomes. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and we’re committed to building a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
CFAB School Leaver Accounting Apprenticeship (Level 4) employer: Goodman Jones LLP
Goodman Jones LLP is an exceptional employer for aspiring accountants, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in the heart of London’s West End. With a comprehensive two-year CFAB apprenticeship programme, employees benefit from full study support, generous holiday allowances, and a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth. The firm fosters a collaborative culture with regular social events, ensuring that every team member feels valued and part of a close-knit community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFAB School Leaver Accounting Apprenticeship (Level 4)
✨Get Involved with Campus Recruitment Events
Apprenticeships in banking and financial services often come through campus recruitment days. Keep an eye out for events hosted by your university or local banks, as these can be golden opportunities for us to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a great first impression.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Banking. These memberships can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities, plus, they often have dedicated sections for apprenticeships and early-career roles that can point us in the right direction.
✨Follow the Right Companies on Social Media
Banks and financial services firms love to share their stories on social media! Follow companies like Goodman Jones LLP to keep up with their latest apprenticeship opportunities and insider news. Engaging with their posts could give us an edge when it comes to the application.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
Your university's career service is a treasure trove of information for apprenticeships in banking. They often have connections to employers like Goodman Jones LLP, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace CFAB School Leaver Accounting Apprenticeship (Level 4)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Maths Skills:In the banking and financial services sector, being good with numbers is a must! Make sure to highlight any relevant maths qualifications or experience in your application, as well as any projects or coursework that demonstrate your analytical skills.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an apprenticeship, companies like Goodman Jones LLP want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, chat about why you’re interested in banking and any specific areas you’re excited to explore. Show them that you’re ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
Highlight Relevant Experience (Even If It's Limited):Whether it's a part-time job, volunteer experience, or even a school project, mention any relevant experience related to banking or finance. This could include customer service roles or any projects where you handled budgeting. We’re all about showing how you can apply your skills, even if they’re from unconventional backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of duties. Tailor it to reflect skills that appeal to financial services, like attention to detail and communication skills. Don’t forget to keep it clear and concise, showing how you’re a perfect fit for the apprenticeship at Goodman Jones LLP!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodman Jones LLP
✨Brush Up on Financial Principles
Since you're diving into the banking and financial sector with an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with key concepts like interest rates, investment strategies, and basic financial accounting. Make sure you can share your understanding of these principles during the interview, as they'll likely pop up in practical scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In the world of banking, interviewers love to throw real-world scenarios at you. Prepare for questions that ask how you'd handle customer inquiries or solve financial challenges. Practising these types of situational responses can really showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities, both of which are essential in this field.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, what's going to set you apart is your motivation to learn and grow in the role. Be sure to express your excitement about entering the banking world and highlight any steps you've already taken to educate yourself, whether through courses, workshops, or relevant hobbies.
✨Prepare Your Questions About Company Culture
When interviewing with Goodman Jones LLP, don’t shy away from asking about their company culture and training programmes for apprentices. This shows that you're not only focused on the role but also interested in how you'll fit within the team, which is a major factor for your future success in the apprenticeship.
