Audit and Accounts Apprenticeships- For September 2026 Start

Have you considered a career in accountancy? Are you looking for a full-time position which offers you a rewarding and challenging opportunity that will launch your career? We are looking to recruit self-motivated trainees.

Hardcastle Burton LLP is a Chartered Accountancy firm based in Royston, Hertfordshire. We have a wide range of clients from engineering, construction, agricultural, medical professionals, and scientific research. Our client base includes businesses from South Essex to North Cambridgeshire. Our portfolio includes clients across the spectrum from small medium enterprises (SME’s) to multi-million pound turnovers, charities, pension schemes and LLPs.

We are now accepting applications for our AAT and ACA/ACCA 2026 trainee programme (full time positions) which commence in September 2026. By joining us as an apprentice Trainee Accountant you will be able to study for your professional qualifications while also gaining vital hands-on, task-focused work experience in our busy, growing, multi-disciplinary practice.

All of your tuition fees and institute fees will be paid, this includes day release for college days. We offer training and mentoring support to help you develop your knowledge within the practice and at college. Working within a smaller practice gives you exposure to a wide range of businesses and exposure to all aspects of accountancy.

We offer a competitive salary, training contract and 23 days holiday.

We also offer:

Study support
Progression opportunities
Flexible and hybrid working
Exam bonus scheme
Staff introduction bonus
Length of service bonus
Social events
Salary sacrifice pension
Income protection scheme
Employee assistance line
Eyecare vouchers for Specsavers
Discounts on holidays, retail items and gifts via Bright Exchange

If you are interested in joining our team and being paid to earn a qualification in accountancy, please submit your CV together with a cover letter to info@hardcastle-burton.co.uk. Please ensure you enclose full details of academic qualifications (including predicted results where applicable).

A Level Positions

If you join us after leaving college or sixth form, you will work towards your AAT Level 3 & 4 qualifications via a level 3 and 4 Apprenticeship, this will take around 36 months to complete. After completion of your training at AAT level, the firm will then support you through your ACA or ACCA studies.

We would expect applicants to have (or predicated to gain) minimum of 3 A levels at least grade BBB or above or equivalent business-related vocational qualification. You are expected to have Maths and English Language at GCSE grade 6. Equivalent qualifications will be considered.

Graduate Positions

We are also looking for graduate applicants for our ACA or ACCA level 7 Apprenticeship programme. This course is around 36 months. You will be predicted a minimum 2:1 degree, 3 A Levels at least grade BBB and at least GCSEs Maths and English Language at grade 6 or equivalent qualifications.

Key skills required:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Self-motivated, hardworking, flexible and reliable
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Enthusiastic and driven to complete professional development
Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail
Ambitious

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What our valued clients say

Hardcastle Burton have been managing my tax affairs for 12 years, providing consistently excellent advice and service, undoubtedly saving me money. Unfailingly professional, trustworthy, friendly and efficient, they work to the highest imaginable standards resolving difficult and complex problems in a timely fashion.
Professor Christopher Grey

We were recommended Hardcastle Burton ten years ago. The advice and information we have received from all members of the team has been first rate. Business and personal matters are always dealt with in a proactive, prompt and efficient manner.
Walker Crane Services Limited

We moved advisers 12 years ago after 2 generations being looked after elsewhere. I have been consistently pleased with their service. Sound strategic advice and long term planning from them, has meant the family are in a safe pair of hands. I would wholeheartedly recommend this firm.
Tim Breitmeyer on behalf of Bartlow Estate

Hardcastle Burton LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership. Registered Office: Lake House, Market Hill, Royston, SG8 9JN. Registered in England and Wales - Registration Number OC334525 Registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk under reference number C001762874.