Accounts Trainee 2026 (ACA training contract) in Surrey

Are you a bright, articulate and motivated individual with the desire and ability to learn quickly and looking for a career in a fast-paced rewarding environment? This is an ideal opportunity for someone to start their professional career. You will be a recent graduate with strong academics looking for a role where you can develop your skills and study towards a professional qualification.

JS2 is a unique and innovative firm of Chartered Accountants working almost exclusively with the social enterprise and not for profit sector, providing outsourced finance solutions. We act as Finance Directors for many clients and provide payroll and management/statutory accounting services. The company has grown consistently on the back of its market reputation and now has a team of about 44 staff. We are looking for Accounts Trainees to join our team in June 2026.

The Accounts Trainee will embark on a structured training programme combining study with working for Client Supervisors/Client Managers in our busy accounts team. Graduates will join a 3.5 to 4 year (depending on experience) track to the ACA qualification (including an apprenticeship qualification where eligible).

Duties of the Trainee role are as follows:

• Technical – on-the-job training and studying towards your professional qualification will enable you to gain a full understanding of the technical aspects of audit and accountancy.
• Develop an understanding of our clients.
• Assist the Client Managers in preparation of management and statutory accounts and audit files.
• Highlight issues and problems for the attention of Client Managers.
• Become familiar with our accounting and payroll software.
• Client liaison – Obtain information and resolve queries with client staff, building relationships with key contacts.
• Professional communication and (self) management – your ability to work as part of a team is essential to your role at every level.
• Work as part of a team to undertake a variety of accountancy tasks for our diverse client base.
• Understand from your Client Manager the scope of tasks allocated and objectives to be achieved.
• Keep Client Managers fully informed of any issues and problems, ensure work is completed on time and to a level agreed with the manager and record clearly and concisely work done.

Accounts Trainee Person Specification:

• Minimum of an upper second class degree (any discipline).
• Minimum 3 A levels (A-C grade) with a minimum of 120 UCAS points (General studies excluded).
• GCSE Maths and English Grade 6 or above (or B on previous grading system).
• Good Excel skills.
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Flexible approach.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work with different members of the team.
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn.

Applicants must be local to Woking, Surrey or demonstrate both a knowledge of the local area and plan to relocate in their cover email.

What we can offer you:

• Paid study package for ACA using the government apprenticeship scheme where eligible.
• 3.5 or 4 year contract.
• A small friendly team environment.
• The opportunity to work with a broad range of clients across the charity and not for profit sector.
• Potential for career progression within our growing firm.
• Working closely with other staff to gain cross discipline skills and to play a role in the continued development and success of the firm.

We are looking forward to meeting you if you can demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary for this position. Please get in touch today if you fit the profile above!