Several professional organisations approve trainee accountant contracts in the UK. Normally, these contracts last for around three years, provided that employees have completed a bachelor’s degree. Those who take the vocational route straight from school can expect to study for longer
In order to achieve chartered status, trainee accountants should complete at least 450 days of work experience, an ethics module and a number of relevant examinations. Students will cover a wide range of topics, including financial management, taxation and law
Most of the training contracts are offered by private practices, although increasing numbers of contracts are being offered by public organisations and commercial enterprises. Trainee accountants tend to earn between £18,000 and £25,000, with a nationwide average starting salary of £21,000
Trainees normally work at one practice for the full duration of the contract. However, the contracts offer a great opportunity for career progression. It’s not uncommon for accountants to reach the management level just two years after completing the contract.

Trainee Accountants are required to prepare and audit accounts. They team up with an audit manager in order to collect raw data for the accounts. These accountants are responsible for the analysis of receipts and payments, details of creditors and debtors, bank reconciliations and control accounts, etc. They monitor and forecast the bank balances for the funds of a company, making sure liquidity is maintained for expenses and investments.

A Trainee Accountant usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Liaising with investors.
• Processing accounting records.
• Dealing with phone queries.
• Preparing account reconciliation.
• Setting up new investments.

• Having excellent written and spoken communication.
• Having high attention to details.
• Being proactive and self motivated.
• Having IT skills.
• Being able to work with a team
• Having interpersonal abilities.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having math skills.
• Being friendly and tactful.
• Being organised.

Trainee Accountant job placements require a 2:1 degree or higher academic qualification for application process. It is recommended to have A levels and A grades in math and a degree from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Another advantage for candidates for these posts is having a CIMA qualification.