Trainee Chartered Accountant – September 2026 intake

Axminster/ Barnstaple/ Plymouth / Weston-super Mare offices

Westcotts is a Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer and Accountancy Age 50+50 Accountancy Practice with over 300 team members based across Devon and Somerset.

We are now looking for Trainee Chartered Accountants to join our team in one of our Axminster, Barnstaple, Plymouth or Weston-super-Mare offices starting in September 2026. Training to become a Chartered Accountant is both rewarding and challenging and can open up a whole host of opportunities for you as many of our Directors and Partners started their career as a trainee with us and have stayed with us throughout their working life.

You will undertake both practical and theoretical training whilst studying for your ACA qualification. You will get support from more experienced staff and Partners whilst assisting on client assignments. Some of the duties will include preparing financial statements for limited companies, partnerships and sole traders; auditing financial statements and tax compliance work to mention just a few. You will have the opportunity to visit clients’ premises to carry out your role and your work will be a mixture of team work and projects undertaken individually.

This job description summarises the main duties and responsibilities of the post, however the list is not exhaustive as the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties and projects of similar level and responsibility.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Ideally the successful candidate will have the following attributes, skills, experience and qualifications:

• As the role requires the ability to study and pass formal exams, we would look for a strong track record in obtaining qualifications often indicated by strong results. Degree Qualified, ideally in a relevant subject (Accounting & Finance, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences etc.) would be preferable however other academic history will also be considered.
• Analytical, methodical and numerical
• Resilient, able to multi-task and work independently
• Takes the initiative, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Outgoing, socially confident and emotionally controlled
• A positive attitude, friendly and personable
• Adaptable, organised and conscientious
• Professional and team orientated in approach
• Good working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven accuracy and an eye for detail
• Ability to learn new IT skills quickly
• 36.25 hours / 5 days per week
• Annual salary review and regular salary reviews whilst training
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 25 days plus bank holidays after 3 years’ service
• 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 staff commission schemes
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service

How to apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your current salary (if applicable), salary expectations and available start date.