ACA accounting professional qualification

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Become a chartered accountant with an ACA qualification

ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) professional qualification opportunities are open to graduates from any degree discipline. You’ll work towards your professional qualification while gaining practical experience, with full support provided throughout your training. You’ll earn while you learn, combining professional study with real client work from day one. This is a full-time, permanent position that includes fully funded professional study, three years of structured training, and hands-on client experience. You’ll earn a salary while developing valuable skills and knowledge, supported by a dedicated team throughout your journey.

The ACA is a level 7 professional qualification, equivalent to a master’s degree, and is awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). It provides a strong foundation for a long-term and rewarding career in accountancy and business.

Begin your career in accountancy with a programme designed to help you succeed from day one. As you work towards the ACA professional qualification, you’ll gain valuable experience across a range of client assignments, develop technical expertise, and build the professional skills needed for a successful career. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll have opportunities to learn from industry specialists, collaborate with different teams, and take on increasing responsibility as your confidence grows.

Throughout the programme, you’ll receive structured support, dedicated training, and fully funded study to help you achieve your professional qualification. By combining professional learning with practical workplace experience, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge in real-world situations while developing a strong understanding of how businesses operate.

With a clear development pathway, ongoing mentoring, and the opportunity to earn while you learn, this programme provides an excellent foundation for a long-term career in accountancy, business, and professional services.

ACA vacancies

There are no jobs currently available in this team.

We’ve always got new job opportunities in the pipeline.

You can email [email protected] outlining your experience and what you’re looking for and we’ll be in touch.

Explore the departments you could work in

Audit and assurance

No two days are the same in audit. Working closely with clients, often on their premises, you’ll be part of a team providing assurance services and professional advice. You’ll examine financial information, assess controls and help businesses build trust in their reporting. The work can be challenging, but it provides an excellent foundation for a successful accountancy career and offers insight into a wide range of industries.

Business advisory

Help businesses make informed decisions and achieve their goals. You’ll support clients with year-end accounts, management accounts, forecasts and projections, while also gaining exposure to areas such as business and corporate tax, VAT returns and company secretarial work. This varied experience will give you a strong understanding of how organisations operate and the financial challenges they face.

Professional practices

Work with a portfolio of law firms and legal sector clients. You’ll gain experience across accounting, audit and tax, covering partnership, company and personal tax matters. You’ll also help prepare financial analysis, forecasts and projections, developing a well-rounded understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by professional service organisations.

Why choose PKF Francis Clark for your ACA accounting qualification?

  • We fund your training and professional qualifications

  • The work is really varied – no two days are the same

  • You’ll feel supported by your team and by a community of fellow graduates

  • We’re a large firm, that are able to offer great career progression opportunities

  • You can live and work in the stunning South West

  • Our ACA pass rates are above the national average

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Ranked by Great Place to Work® as one of the UK's Top 10 Best Workplaces

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Recognised as one of the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026

What do I need to apply for the ACA accounting professional qualification?

Begin your career in accountancy with a programme designed to help you succeed from day one. As you work towards the ACA professional qualification, you’ll gain valuable experience across a range of client assignments, develop technical expertise, and build the professional skills needed for a successful career. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll have opportunities to learn from industry specialists, collaborate with different teams, and take on increasing responsibility as your confidence grows.

Throughout the programme, you’ll receive structured support, dedicated training, and fully funded study to help you achieve your professional qualification. By combining professional learning with practical workplace experience, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge in real-world situations while developing a strong understanding of how businesses operate.

With a clear development pathway, ongoing mentoring, and the opportunity to earn while you learn, this programme provides an excellent foundation for a long-term career in accountancy, business, and professional services.

  • On track for, or have achieved, a 2.2 degree or above in any discipline

  • Minimum of 112 UCAS points – obtained from three A Levels or equivalent and EPQ

  • GCSE maths and English at grade 4-9

  • Great communication skills to build trusted relationships

  • A sense of fun and a desire to succeed

  • Willingness to travel to client sites and other offices as required

What to expect when you apply

Your ACA training programme

When you join us, you’ll begin with a structured induction designed to help you settle in, build confidence and get to know the firm.

You will:

  • Meet your team, manager and fellow trainees
  • Attend an induction event where you’ll meet senior leaders from across the business
  • Receive department-specific training to help you understand the work you’ll be involved in
  • Complete a range of professional development sessions, including cybersecurity, anti-money laundering and commercial awareness training

From day one, you’ll be earning while you learn, gaining practical experience alongside studying towards your ACA professional qualification.

Your training will combine hands-on client work with classroom-based learning through First Intuition, our award-winning training provider. You’ll alternate between periods of study and work, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in a real business environment. You’ll also have opportunities to gain wider experience through placements in other departments.

Throughout your journey, you’ll receive regular support from your manager and training provider to help you stay on track. You’ll also be paired with:

  • A student counsellor, who is an experienced Chartered Accountant and can provide guidance and career advice
  • A buddy, who is a current trainee and will help you settle into life at the firm

The ACA professional qualification is a level 7 qualification that typically takes three years to complete. We’ll cover the cost of your tuition and exams, while providing the support and experience you need to succeed.

Studying for the ACA requires commitment, including independent study outside of work, but the reward is a highly respected professional qualification and a strong foundation for a successful career in accountancy.

Meet our ACA trainees

Headshot of Harry R - ACA trainee accountant

"PKF Francis Clark stood out because of its reputation in the region and the opportunities it offers trainees to learn and develop. I was particularly interested in business restructuring because of the problem-solving nature of the work and the variety that comes with every case being different."

Harry, ACA trainee accountant
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