ACCA Trainee - Early Careers Programme

Department: Early Careers

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Johannesburg

Sumer Offshore Services are a people-first accounting and advisory firm based in Johannesburg. We are proud to be part of the Sumer Group (a UK Top 12 Accountancy firm) with accountancy practices across the UK and Ireland.

We are pleased to invite applications for our Early Careers ACCA Trainee Programme, offering graduates a structured and supportive route into a professional accounting career through the globally recognised ACCA qualification. Whether you're drawn to Audit or Accounts, you'll earn your ACCA qualification, build international experience, and gain the skills you need to become a fully qualified professional.

This programme is ideal for graduates seeking an alternative pathway to traditional training local contracts, with exposure to international clients, UK working practices, and long-term global career opportunities.

Based in our Johannesburg office, you will work closely with UK based teams, supporting one of our UK businesses. From day one, you'll gain hands on experience across a range of accounting and/or audit activities, including preparing accounts, supporting audits, and working with real clients in a professional services environment.

You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are valued just as highly as academic achievement.

You'll join a formal training contract, combining practical client experience with professional study towards your ACCA qualification.

As part of the Sumer Academy, our group wide early careers development programme, you'll train alongside fellow trainees across our international locations through a blend of virtual, online, and in person learning. The programme is designed to build both your technical capability and the professional skills needed to thrive in a long term accounting career.

• Full ACCA study support, including paid study leave and course fees
• A structured training contract with clear development milestones
• Buddy and mentoring support throughout your training
• Group wide cohort training through the Sumer Academy
• Exposure to international clients and UK working environments
• Opportunities to grow your career beyond qualification

You should have a strong academic record and be on track to complete or have completed a in Accounting or Finance.

• 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.

This programme is well suited to graduates who:

• Are interested in a globally recognised qualification
• Are exploring an alternative route to traditional South African accounting pathways
• Want international exposure without having to leave South Africa
• Value structured learning, mentorship, and long term development

If your application is shortlisted you will receive a link to our online assessment via our partner provider Canditech, where you will have 7 days to complete this.

The next step in the process is our in person assessment centre, the date of this is 7th May 2026 in our Johannesburg office.

• Locations: Johannesburg
• Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Start Date: July 2026