CFAB School Leaver Accounting Apprenticeship

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 stint of 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.