Audit Associate - Apprenticeship

Location: Derby

Do you enjoy maths, problem-solving and building strong relationships? Do you want to continue learning but also feel ready to start earning? Are you looking for an entry-level role with high-flying career potential? Then the PKF Smith Cooper apprenticeship program could be the perfect next step for you.

We are a Midlands-based accounting and advisory company, with a strong regional reputation and globally recognised brand. Several of our partners and directors started out as apprentices, and it’s their hard work and drive that has got us to where we are today, which is why we’re passionate about providing entry-level opportunities and investing in homegrown talent.

You will love our inclusive and empowering company culture, with regular social activities that give you the chance to get to know people away from your desk as well as team committees and initiatives that ensure we all have a say in life at PKF Smith Cooper. From annual summer socials for the whole company to departmental events, sports competitions, walking challenges, book clubs, and more, there is something for everyone to get involved with.

About the role

We are looking for an apprentice to join our Audit Department in Derby as an Apprentice Audit Associate. You will work with our specialist audit team and help our clients from various sectors across the region, gaining practical experience while also advancing your skills and knowledge through classroom learning.

This is a great opportunity for a motivated candidate to join a thriving team in our office in Derby.

As an apprentice, you will have to take exams (AAT) to consolidate your knowledge and advance your career prospects within the department and firm. We provide comprehensive study support as you work towards your AAT exams, including regular check-ins and support with goal setting from our dedicated Learning & Development Team plus one-to-one guidance on balancing work and study through our buddy scheme.

The important work you will be doing

On our Apprenticeship Scheme, you will get to know our clients and build close relationships to better understand their needs. Your role will involve assisting and supporting the team with a diverse range of audit engagements, providing assurance and advisory services to our clients on their financial performance and compliance.

You would join us on an AAT training contract, which provides you with the opportunity to work with a variety of businesses across different sectors – from national companies to entrepreneurial start-ups – and develop your knowledge as well as your experience in the process.

You will gain valuable technical skills, broad commercial understanding, and in-depth knowledge of different industry sectors on your journey to becoming a qualified accountant at PKF Smith Cooper.

Throughout our Apprenticeship Scheme, you will receive the specialist support you need to reach your full potential in audit. With an ambitious and supportive team behind you, you will become a key player in delivering and developing our audit services. As your experience grows, so will your opportunities.

The skills and experience you will bring

• You will need to have 3 A-levels with at least 2 being grade B and above or equivalent.
• You will need to have 5 GCSEs grade 6 and above or equivalent.
• Ideally previous experience in a customer-facing role.
• Ideally a full driving license with access to a car.

Why PKF Smith Cooper

• Our company culture, built on our values – Engage, Empower and Excel – encourages initiative, personal growth, and collaboration. Every team member is appreciated and celebrated; a notion embodied in our Kudos Reward Scheme.
• The firm’s Partners, who remain actively invested in the development of employees, will both support and champion your professional development and progression.
• We work with ambitious businesses of different sizes across a variety of sectors, so no two jobs are the same.
• We are multi-award-winning accountants and business advisors, ranked the 12th biggest firm by UK fee income in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50.

Why Derby

At our headquarters, located in Pride Park, you’ll find our main office, featuring three floors of bright, open-plan workspaces, breakout areas, and modern meeting rooms. Fully equipped kitchens and dining spaces are perfect for spending time away from our desks, and you can even enjoy our private, on-site gym.

PKF International

As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms.
Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions.
An ambitious, future-focused network, PKF provides a comprehensive range of services. Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we are able to share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to better serve our clients, delivering highly personalised services and global connectivity through our client‑centric culture.

What's in it for you

Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:

• A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme - Hybrid working during your probation period is subject to manager discretion.
• Time to do what matters to you – 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long‑serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories.
• Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme.
• Regular social events and annual, company‑wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm.
• Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too.
• Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy etc) through Healthshield.

How to apply

If you believe you meet our requirements, we encourage you apply! Even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria, please submit your application. To do so, upload your CV and a cover letter to our job portal.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the People team at careers@pkfsmithcooper.com or by calling 01332 332021.

We kindly note that we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds; however, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require a visa to work in the UK.

Also we kindly ask that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us unless we have directly reached out to you.