Register Your Interest - ACA Graduate Training Contract 2027 - Charity & Commercial Audit

An ACA training contract where you aren’t worked into the ground, study leave is generous, the work is varied and your team? Just brilliant (we’re biased, we know).

You did read all of that right.

If you’re going to commit to three years of exams, deadlines and hard work, you should at least enjoy where you’re doing it, and if that work can align with your values and a genuine passion for supporting charity and not-for-profit organisations, even better.

Here at Goodman Jones LLP, you’d be joining our 50 strong Audit & Accounts team with a long-standing reputation for working with charities and not-for-profit organisations, alongside exposure to commercial clients that ensure you develop into a well-rounded auditor.

This isn’t a conveyor belt intake. It’s a carefully selected cohort. . . which is why you’ll talk to a human at every step of the process, getting to know us and our teams.

This isn’t a generalist intake with the hope you “might” see a charity client. This is a role designed for someone who wants to start their career supporting the sector.

Fast forward to 2030.

You’re ACA qualified. Your salary has significantly increased. You understand both commercial audit and the specific complexities of the charity sector. You’re confident leading engagements and supporting the next intake of trainees coming through behind you.

And you’ve built proper relationships along the way.

You know the work you do supports organisations that genuinely make a difference. And you’re building your long-term future at Goodman Jones LLP. That’s the goal.

Key information we think you might want to know…

• Hours: full time, flexitime. We work hard, but we value personal time outside of work.
• Full ICAEW ACA study support with block release tuition fees, exam costs and professional subscriptions covered.
• Paid study leave generous, dedicated time to revise and focus on passing your exams.
• Hybrid working 3 days in the office, 2 at home (if you want it, many of our team love coming in every day).
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) more than the industry standard.
• West End office 5 minutes from Goodge Street and Warren Street stations.
• The social side? You’ll feel part of the team. Firm-wide events, charity fundraising, sports clubs and regular social get-togethers. Within the trainee cohort there’s real camaraderie, you’re all in it together, and that makes a difference.

What your 3 years will look like

Your clients will be split between charities and not-for-profit organisations, from local community charities to larger national organisations and commercial audit clients, ensuring your technical grounding is broad, robust and transferable.

Alongside work, you’ll study towards your ICAEW ACA qualification, completing 14 exams across Certificate, Professional and Advanced Levels. Training is delivered on a block release basis at college, giving you dedicated study time before returning to apply that knowledge in practice.

This is a predominantly audit-focused role. You’ll be part of the Audit & Accounts team from the beginning.

This is still audit. It’s still technically demanding. But it’s audit with purpose.

Year 1 - You’ll start with college, then you’re straight into it.

Out on audit engagements across London, supporting Seniors and Managers with fieldwork and file preparation. On charity engagements, you’ll be testing income streams including donations, grants and fundraising income, and working with restricted and unrestricted fund balances. You’ll also assist with charity statutory accounts under the Charities SORP (FRS 102), Statements of Financial Activities (SoFA), and basic corporation tax computations and Gift Aid claims.

Year 2 - Things start to shift.

You’ll begin leading smaller commercial audits, charity audits and independent examinations, liaising directly with trustees and charity finance teams, and preparing more complex accounts under the Charities SORP. It’s at this point you start reviewing the work of year 1 trainees.

This is where your confidence really builds.

Year 3 – You’re leading.

You’re now leading charity audits and commercial engagements, managing small audit teams, and coordinating directly with trustees, management committees and client stakeholders. You’re handling complex areas like restricted fund movements, grant income recognition, consolidations and going concern assessments.

By the time you qualify, you’re ready to step up — not just on paper, but in practice.

Who we’re looking for

We know it’s a graduate training contract, so your experience might be limited. That’s fine. But there are a few things we do need:

• A predicted or achieved 2:1 degree (any subject)
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills
• Confidence using Excel and learning new systems
• A clear understanding of what the ACA involves

But here’s what that really means in practice.

Attention to detail matters because charity reporting is scrutinised and transparency is essential. You’ll be working with financial data where small inaccuracies can have reputational implications for organisations that rely on public trust.

Excel confidence matters because you’ll be analysing financial data, reconciling restricted funds and preparing audit documentation that trustees and finance teams rely on. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable learning formulas, working with datasets and using spreadsheets properly.

This role is particularly suited to someone who:

• Is genuinely motivated by the idea of supporting the charity and not-for-profit sector
• Cares about accountability, transparency and how organisations use funds responsibly
• Takes ownership of their work and follows things through
• Asks questions and genuinely wants to understand the “why”
• Works well as part of a team, audit is collaborative
• Communicates professionally with colleagues, clients and trustees
• Can manage their time effectively while balancing exams and deadlines
• You don’t need prior charity experience. But you should be able to tell us why supporting this sector appeals to you.

Nice to have (but not essential):

• A finance, accounting or numerate focused degree
• Volunteering, fundraising or involvement in charitable initiatives
• An interest in governance or social impact
• Work experience demonstrating responsibility

Diversity & inclusion at Goodman Jones LLP

We believe that diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and better outcomes. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and we’re committed to building a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Register Your Interest

To be the first to know once applications open, register your interest today!