Graduate Trainee Farm Business Consultant – Southwest in Exeter

We’re Westcotts – a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer, with over 300 team members based across 16 offices in Devon and Somerset. We’re looking for a Trainee Farm Business Consultant to join our team to be based on one of our 16 offices across Somerset, Devon and Wiltshire. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for agriculture who wants to start a career in Agricultural Management Consultancy, supporting farming clients to improve performance, profitability, and long‑term sustainability.

You’ll work closely with experienced advisers and our wider rural team to provide practical, independent advice to farm businesses. With a combination of hands‑on training in agricultural knowledge and business insight, you’ll help clients make informed decisions and plan for the future. Full support and development will be provided, alongside relevant professional development courses, giving you the opportunity to build a long‑term and rewarding career in agricultural consultancy.

Why Westcotts?

• The opportunity to work with a wide range of farming and rural businesses across the South West
• Full training and professional development, including relevant agricultural and consultancy courses
• The chance to build a rewarding career in agricultural management consultancy
• A friendly and collaborative working environment
• A genuine focus on wellbeing and work/life balance
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced rural advisers and specialists

Main Duties

This is a varied and client‑focused role where no two days are the same. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing technical dairy advice, including independent nutrition guidance, fertility reviews, and forage management support
• Supporting farm businesses through business performance reviews, including the preparation of management accounts and analysis of financial and operational performance
• Assisting with business budgeting, forecasting, and planning, helping clients understand and improve their financial position
• Working closely with farmers and rural businesses to identify opportunities for improvement and provide practical solutions
• Supporting the delivery of tailored business advice that meets the individual needs and goals of each client
• Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their business challenges and ambitions
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across our rural and accounting teams to deliver a comprehensive service to clients

Attributes, Skills, Experience And Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic about agriculture and enjoys working with people. Ideally, you’ll have:

• A degree or a related qualification is essential, with a preference for an agricultural qualification or farming / agricultural industry background
• A strong interest in farm business performance and management
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• A proactive and motivated approach, with the drive to develop a career in agricultural consultancy
• The ability to analyse information and present clear, practical advice
• A professional and team‑oriented attitude

Terms / Benefits

• 40 hours / 5 days per week (flexible and hybrid working is available).
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual salary review.
• Opportunity to carry over 1 week’s holiday into the following holiday year.
• Death in service 3 x annual salary.
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
• 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing clients and team member commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one years’ service.
• Well-behaved dogs can be brought to the office.