ACA Graduate Training Contract – Charity & Commercial Audit

An ACA training contract with a Charity & Commercial client mix 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 2029.

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…

• Start date: 24th August 2026
• 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.
• Starting salary: £31,500 increasing year on year as you progress.
• 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.
• Applications close: Monday 30th March at 5pm

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 now 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

Interested?

Application guide: You will need to apply using your CV (please submit in PDF format and ensure the document is saved as FirstName.Surname.ACA.Charity) and include a cover letter letting us know. . .

• Why you want to pursue the ACA
• What about a career in audit appeals to you
• Why you want to build your career supporting the charity and not-for-profit sector
• What appealed to you about Goodman Jones LLP
• Something interesting about you (don’t skip this, it’s our favourite part of your application, and we promise it is read by a human not AI!)
• That you are available to attend on the interview dates below
• That you can start on 24th August 2026
• Where you saw the role advertised
• Anything else you think we should know about you

The interview process & key dates

We know interviews can feel daunting, don’t panic! We take nerves into account and will send you preparation materials and support you every step of the way.

ACA Graduate Trainees go through a 3-stage interview process, including some online skills assessments during the process, but you will talk to a human at every step, no AI interviews!

• First Interviews (w/c 6th April 2026) A discovery call with Michelle from our Talent Team, via Microsoft Teams.
• Second Stage (16th & 17th April 2026) Interview with a Senior Manager and Manager from the Audit & Accounts team at our office.
• Final Stage (w/c 11th May 2026) Meeting with Giuseppe, our Partner and Head of Audit, at our office.
• Offers made mid-May no long waiting times; we’ll get back to you quickly.
• Meet & Greet Events come to the office, meet the team, and get to know the other trainees before you start.
• Summer Party invite because why wait until August to start feeling part of the team?
• Start Date: 24th August 2026 your career in chartered accountancy begins!

Everyone who applies will receive a response on or before Thursday 2nd April 2026.

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.