Simmons Gainsford is proud to be part of the Sumer Group – one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy practices. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for our people, our clients, and our communities.
We provide audit, tax and advisory services to entrepreneurial businesses, SMEs and private clients. With a strong reputation built on long-term relationships and trusted expertise, we combine technical excellence with a personable and partner-led approach. Simmons Gainsford support clients across a wide range of sectors, helping them navigate complexity, drive growth and plan confidently for the future.
We’re now inviting applications for our Early Careers Trainee Programme, designed for those ready to take their first step into a rewarding career in Audit. You’ll gain the skills, qualifications and experience to become a fully qualified professional, supported every step of the way.
Application closing date: 15th June 2026
At Simmons Gainsford, we believe your career should start with opportunity, support and real responsibility from day one. As a well-established and forward-thinking accountancy practice, we work with ambitious businesses and individuals across a wide range of sectors, delivering expert audit, tax and advisory services.
Joining us as an Early Careers Trainee means becoming part of a collaborative team where your development is taken seriously - with structured training, professional qualifications and hands-on client exposure to help you build both confidence and capability. If you’re motivated, curious and ready to grow, Simmons Gainsford is the place to start your journey.
You’ll join a training contract, combining practical client experience with professional study towards your qualification (ACA).
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.
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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
About You
To apply, you’ll need a strong academic background, including at least a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent).
You’ll also be:
- An effective communicator – confident in listening and expressing ideas clearly with clients and colleagues.
- Collaborative – a team player who enjoys sharing ideas and working together to achieve great results.
- Time efficient – able to balance work and study with good organisation and prioritisation.
- A problem solver – curious, adaptable and ready to take on challenges.
- Results focused – proud to deliver a high standard of work and service.
- Keen to learn – enthusiastic about developing your skills and career.
The Process
Our application process is designed to help you show your best self:
- CV Review
- Online testing via our partner CandiTech (behavioural, numerical and comprehension)
- Interview
- Offer
Applications will be open until 15th June 2026. We’ll send out the online tests before the interview.
Key Details
- Location: Cavendish Square, London
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Hours: 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Start Date: August/September 2026
Belong @ Sumer
At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.
Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all candidates. Let our team know how we can bring out your fullest potential.
Our Values
We have a strong set of values that define who we are and everything we do:
- 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.
Our size and ethos means that we have a natural empathy with entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses. Our client base is diverse and includes media, entertainment, retail, property, hospitality, manufacturing, recruitment, lawyers and charities. Our remit is to solve problems and create solutions so the compliance work – such as audits and tax returns – is complemented by creative business and strategic planning.
We have grown steadily over the years but not to an extent that we don’t know one another. We’re fortunate in that we have the following teams: Audit & Accounts, Corporate, Personal and Indirect Tax, Bookkeeping, Payroll, IT, HR and Internal Accounts so we can all work together to help businesses as we offer a wide range of advice and solutions.
We enjoy what we do, we love being challenged and we are always striving to improve. We’re not going to deny that it can be a demanding environment at times – but that’s a great one in which to learn and grow stronger in our knowledge – and we don’t have a late hours’ culture.
Our Partners and Managers are approachable, incredibly supportive and dedicated to providing an individual career and personal development path for all our staff. Many of them began as trainees themselves so they understand the journey ahead for our new trainees as they mentor them.
We offer CPD training throughout the year as it’s important that our clients receive the most up to date and relevant advice, and our staff are continuously learning so they are empowered by their knowledge. There is always the opportunity for individuals to suggest any ad hoc courses.
We are a sociable bunch too! As well as our annual firm-wide seasonal events, we have a social club who think of even more innovative ways to have fun throughout the year.
We also like to keep everyone updated – and share ideas – by having regular team briefings, employee focus groups and staff meetings.
