At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a CFAB Trainee, learning accounting basics and gaining hands-on experience over two years.
- Company: Goodman Jones LLP is a Top 60 Accountancy Practice in London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 33 days holiday, and full study support for your CFAB qualification.
- Other info: No degree needed! We value ambition and curiosity. Apply with your CV and a fun cover letter!
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic environment with real-world experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: A-Levels with 120 UCAS points; strong numeracy and communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
£25,000 increasing as you go through your 2 years
35 hr/week
London/Hybrid
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.
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! You’ll join our ACA trainees, continuing your studies and transitioning into an Audit-focused role, setting you up for a long-term career at Goodman Jones LLP.
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 13 Partners started as trainees and now lead a diverse team of 80+ professionals across audit, accounts, tax, and payroll.
Want to get a feel for life at Goodman Jones LLP? Check out our social media channels!
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 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.
35-hour workweek – We respect personal time and well-being.
A supportive team environment – Work alongside experienced professionals who want to see you succeed.
Starting salary: £25,000, increasing as you go through your 2 years.
You will need to apply using your CV and include a cover letter. We would love to know:
- Why you are interested in a career pursuing the CFAB
- Something interesting about you! (Don’t skip this — it’s our favourite part of your application, and we promise you it is written by a human, not AI!)
- Why the apprenticeship route is for you.
The Interviews & Key Dates
We know this might seem daunting, especially if you haven’t done many interviews before — don’t panic! We take nerves into account and will send you preparation materials and support every step of the way.
Potential CFAB trainees go through a 3-stage interview process, including some online skills assessments, but you will talk to a human at every step, no AI interviews!
First Interview (w/c 14th July 2025) – A chat with Michelle from our Talent Team (via MS Teams)
Second Stage (w/c 21st July 2025) – Interview with two of our managers (via MS Teams)
Final Stage (w/c 28th July 2025) – Meeting with Giuseppe, our Head of Audit, at our London office
Start Date: 21st August 2025 – 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 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 confidence – Comfortable with Excel, Word, and excited to learn new accounting software.
- 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!).
Everyone who applies will receive a response with the outcome of their application on or before Friday 11th July 2025.
Diversity & Inclusion at Goodman Jones LLP
At Goodman Jones LLP, we believe that diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
Goodman Jones LLP
1st Floor, Arthur Stanley House
40-50 Tottenham Street
London W1T 4RN
School Leaver CFAB Trainee in London employer: Goodman Jones LLP
Goodman Jones LLP is an exceptional employer for aspiring accountants, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in the vibrant heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will receive full study support for your ICAEW CFAB qualification, generous paid study leave, and a competitive starting salary that increases as you progress through your training. Join a team where many partners began as trainees, ensuring you have the mentorship and resources needed to thrive in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Leaver CFAB Trainee in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ICAEW CFAB qualification. Understanding the structure and content of the exams will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with Goodman Jones LLP on social media. This can give you insights into the company culture and values, which you can reference during your interviews to demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the online skills assessments by brushing up on your numeracy and analytical skills. Practising relevant exercises can boost your confidence and performance during the assessment stage.
✨Tip Number 4
Think about your unique experiences or interests that could set you apart. Be ready to share something interesting about yourself during the interview, as this is a key part of what they’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace School Leaver CFAB Trainee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the CFAB trainee role. Focus on your A-Level achievements, numeracy skills, and any relevant work experience, even if it's just a short internship.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in pursuing a career in accountancy. Share why the apprenticeship route appeals to you and include something interesting about yourself to make your application stand out.
Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your strong numeracy, analytical skills, and IT confidence in both your CV and cover letter. Mention specific software you are comfortable with, like Excel and Word, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are key traits for an accountant.
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodman Jones LLP
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, demonstrate your curiosity about the accountancy field. Ask insightful questions about the CFAB programme and the day-to-day responsibilities of a trainee. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn.
✨Highlight Your Skills
Make sure to emphasise your strong numeracy and analytical skills. Provide examples from your studies or any relevant experiences where you've successfully used these skills. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate common interview questions such as why you want to pursue a career in accountancy or what interests you about the CFAB apprenticeship. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Be Yourself
Don’t forget to let your personality shine through! Goodman Jones LLP values individuality, so share something interesting about yourself that reflects your character. This could be a hobby, a unique experience, or a personal achievement that sets you apart.
