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Early Careers
Want to earn while you learn? Kick-start your career with a role at Scrutton Bland.
Looking for a career you can grow into?
Whether you’re finishing school, graduating from university or looking for a career change – there’s more than one way to begin your career in accountancy, audit or tax.
Our trainee roles are designed to help you learn on the job, gain a professional qualification, and build a future you can be proud of, whichever path you take to get there.
Early Careers Programme
You’ll join a training contract and programme, combining practical client experience with professional study towards your qualification (AAT, ACA, ACCA, ATT or CTA).
Alongside your qualification, you’ll become part of the Sumer Academy – our dedicated early careers development programme. The Academy runs alongside your studies, offering a blend of online, virtual and in-person learning focused on building both your technical skills and the soft skills that will help you thrive in your future career.
You’ll also train as part of a group-wide cohort, connecting with other trainees from across the Sumer Group to share experiences and learn together.
What’s on offer
- Full study support, including paid study leave and course fees
- Buddy and mentoring systems to help you settle in and progress
- Group-wide cohort training through the Sumer Academy
- Opportunities to grow your career beyond qualification
- Exposure to a diverse range of clients and projects
Entry Criteria
We look for people who have a strong A-Level or equivalent academic history, including a minimum of a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent). This criteria has been set to select candidates who’ll be able to undertake professional qualifications alongside developing in their role.
We’re seeking individuals who are:
- Effective communicators – you’ll work with lots of different people, from teammates to clients, so being able to listen and get your message across is important.
- Collaborative – we love sharing ideas and working together to make things better.
- Time efficient – you’ll juggle work and study, so being organised and knowing how to prioritise is key
- Problem-solvers – clients rely on us to help them figure things out, so being curious and adaptable will take you far.
- Results focused – we’re proud of the work we do, and we want you to share that same passion for delivering an exceptional service.
- Keen to learn – show us your enthusiasm to grow, take on challenges, and build your career with us.
What you’ll do
From day one, you’ll be working towards a professional qualification while gaining hands-on experience with real clients. You’ll develop technical knowledge, soft skills and commercial awareness that will set you up for a long-term career.
You’ll get involved in a wide range of work, including:
- Applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations
- Working with businesses locally, across the UK and overseas
- Building your skills in networking, teamwork, creative thinking and time management
- Creating a development plan with your line manager
- Contributing ideas and suggesting improvements
- Learning from experienced colleagues and becoming a trusted adviser
Who you’ll work with
You’ll work with a variety of clients, each of different sizes and with various complexities. Some may be start-ups looking to gain finance to kick-start their business. Others may be family-owned businesses preparing to pass the company on to the next generation, or large corporations with offices throughout the UK and overseas.
Clients operate across a wide range of sectors including agriculture, charities, tech and construction. There is a broad mix of work to get involved with, giving you exposure to different industries and challenges.
Development
You’ll benefit from technical and soft skills training that is fast-paced, interactive and ongoing. From structured learning to on-the-job experience, we’ll support you every step of the way as you work towards your professional qualification.
You’ll learn from experienced colleagues and have regular opportunities to build your confidence, take on responsibility and grow. At the end of your programme, you’ll be fully qualified and supported in the next stage of your career, whether that’s continuing in your team or exploring something new within the business.
Application process
Our Early Careers Trainee Programme is designed for those ready to take their first step into a rewarding career in accountancy. Whether your passion lies in Audit, Accounts or Tax, you’ll gain the skills, qualifications and experience to become a fully qualified professional, supported every step of the way.
Applications are now closed and will re-open soon for our 2027 opportunities.
Want to find out more about Early Careers at Scrutton Bland? Get in touch!
Your future starts here
Our structured Early Careers scheme is designed to help you from starting out in your career to becoming fully qualified.
Here are just some of the areas where we are always looking to employ new talent:
We’re proud that many of our students go on to build long-term careers with us. Whether you want to specialise, take on leadership responsibilities or explore secondments, we’ll give you advice and guidance to help you get to where you want to go.
Salary
Our Early Careers scheme offers a great starting salary, which is competitive locally and benchmarked regularly. You’ll also benefit from structured pay increases as you progress through your qualification and training.
You’ll receive a competitive starting salary based on your experience and relevant qualifications. Your pay will be reviewed regularly, and we make sure your efforts are recognised and rewarded. Our salaries are benchmarked against others in the industry to ensure they remain competitive. You’ll also have access to our flexible benefits package, which includes a number of voluntary options such as private medical cover, subsidised gym membership, shopping discounts and health cash plans.
We’re committed to being an inclusive employer and want to make sure that financial circumstances never prevent someone from joining us. If you need support, this is handled confidentially and discreetly, with complete respect for your privacy.
Our Vision and Values
Here’s what drives us forward as a business:
Our Vision is
To be the guardian of our clients’ financial futures and personal aspirations.
Our Mission is
To combine in-depth expertise with genuine empathy to provide a personal service to clients, acting as stewards for their growth, stability and success. We empower clients to make informed decisions and achieve their goals, whether business or private.
And our values are…
We Shine Together
We celebrate everyone’s individuality and work as one team.
We Do The Right Thing
We act with kindness, fairness and integrity in everything we do.
We Make It Count
We’re quietly brave as we make a difference, every day, for our clients and communities.
We know you’ll have lots of questions and will be keen to find out as much as possible, so we’ve compiled the most common questions we hear from students looking to join our apprenticeship scheme below. However, if you still have questions please get in touch.
What is the entry criteria for the Early Careers Programme?
As this role involves studying for professional qualifications, we’re seeking candidates who have a strong A-Level or equivalent academic history, including a minimum of a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent). All applicants must already have the permanent right to work in the UK, this programme is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
What is the application process for the Early Careers Programme?
Our application process has three stages:
- Stage 1: Complete the online application form with your basic information, upload your CV, and provide answers to our initial questions.
- Stage 2: We’ll review your application and if shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete an online assessment via our online platform, Canditech. You can expect some video questions, numeracy and comprehension tests.
- Stage 3: Successful candidates will be invited to attend an in-person assessment centre for some collaborative task-based exercises and interviews.
Do I need to be a school leaver or graduate to apply?
No, absolutely not! We encourage school leavers, graduates and those looking for a change of career. As long as you want to start your journey in our industry, and meet the entry criteria we want to hear from you!
What if I need some adjustments to the recruitment process?
Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves . Our commitment is to offer personalised support, so please let us know in your application how we can support you. Adjustments may include changes such as allowing extra time for tasks, or ensuring accessibility for mobility needs.
When can I apply?
Our applications generally open around October every year, for apprenticeships starting the following year.
What if I can’t attend the dates of the assessment centre?
We understand these dates won’t be suitable for everyone, however open roles will be prioritised for those who are able to attend the dates we’re providing. If you’re unable to attend we will keep your application on file and should future assessment centres be held we will be sure to reach out to see if you can attend one of these instead.
What if I’ve missed the deadline for applications this year?
Please keep a look out on our website in case we have any further opportunities arise this year. Otherwise, you can register your interest for next year here.
If I’m unsuccessful, when can I reapply?
If you haven’t passed this time you will need to wait six months before being able to retake the test. You are welcome to apply to multiple firms dependant on your location requirements.
When will I start if I’m successful?
Our intake joins us in late August, but don’t worry, we’ll make sure you have regular contact between accepting our offer and you joining us!
Do I need to have studied any particular subjects or a specific degree to be considered?
A strong academic history is part of our entry criteria but we don’t look for specific subjects. We’re passionate about finding the right talent that we can support to build and grow throughout a career with us.
What training and support will be available?
We partner with a leading training provider who will support you through your technical qualification. In addition to this, you will be enrolled onto our Sumer Academy, a bespoke training journey that covers both technical and soft skills throughout your training with us. You can expect a blend of virtual, in person, and self-led learning to make sure you have every opportunity to reach your full potential.
If I need to relocate for a role will I receive any financial support?
We don’t offer any relocation cost support for this programme. However, if you’re successful in obtaining a role we will send you information closer to the time of joining which will include local estate agents, help with rental references and guides on the local area. We don’t offer any relocation cost support for this programme.
If I have any questions during the recruitment process, who do I contact?
Please email your dedicated talent acquisition point of contact, if you’re yet to have one assigned, please email recruitment@sumer.co.uk
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