Early Careers

Whether you are a school leaver, graduate or career changing, we’ll help you build a bright future career.

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About HW Fisher

HW Fisher is well established chartered accountancy firm, offering services in audit, accounting, tax, forensics and corporate finance. Founded in 1933, we proudly joined with Sumer in 2024 and are now with the Top 15 accounting practices within the UK.

We are a people-focused business – we have a strong training programme and engage early careers joiners of a variety of levels and in a range of disciplines. If you are looking for a rewarding career, ultimately with a professional qualification at the end of it, but within a friendly, productive and developing culture, then we look forward to receiving your application.

What are we looking for?

We look for people who have a strong A-Level or equivalent academic history, including a minimum of a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent). This criteria has been set to select candidates who’ll be able to undertake professional qualifications alongside developing in their role.

We take on both school leaver and graduate level candidates, as well as career changers. We look for people who possess the following qualities:

  • Effective communicators – you’ll work with lots of different people, from teammates to clients, so being able to listen and get your message across is important.
  • Collaborative – we love sharing ideas and working together to make things better.
  • Time efficient – you’ll juggle work and study, so being organised and knowing how to prioritise is key
  • Problem-solvers – clients rely on us to help them figure things out, so being curious and adaptable will take you far.
  • Results focused – we’re proud of the work we do, and we want you to share that same passion for delivering an exceptional service.
  • Keen to learn – show us your enthusiasm to grow, take on challenges, and build your career with us.

We offer the AAT qualification for school leavers, and the ACA for graduates. Offering a comprehensive training programme, those in our audit team work with a variety of client sizes and sectors, building experience and eventually leading teams on site!

We offer the ATT route in our personal tax team, and the ACA/CTA qualification in our corporate tax and trust departments. Trainees here will deal with a variety of clients and build up their experience in many different tax areas.

Our renowned forensic team often takes on ACA-level trainees, and they deal with interesting areas such as royalty auditing, contract compliance and media marketing compliance. It’s a growing team working with internationally recognised clients!

In this team school leavers do AAT whereas graduates do ACCA. This is our general accountancy department, so trainees will undertake work in accounts, tax, and VAT for some of our smaller clients – this team specialises in areas like sports, media, and authors and journalists.

Audit

Business Solutions

Tax

Forensic

Our early career roles

Our early career opportunities will tend to open in January each year, ready for a start the following summer.

Application process

The application open and close dates are:

14th January – 28th January 2026

Assessment centre dates are below:

  • Audit – 17th February, afternoon
  • Audit – 24th February, afternoon
  • Audit – 26th February, afternoon
  • Audit – 5th March, afternoon
  • Tax – 10th March, afternoon
  • Business Solutions – 16th March, afternoon

Apply now:


What do we offer

Alongside your professional qualification, you also get to join a growing, sociable organisation. It’s no exaggeration that in our intakes people often make friends for life. Please see below for some of our testimonials from current trainees:

Life at HW Fisher

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There are also a wide range of social activities and events to get to know your peers:

 

We also offer full study support, including paid study leave and a dedicated mentor, as well as having access to our range of employee benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the entry criteria for the Sumer Early Careers Programme?

    As this role involves studying for professional qualifications, we’re seeking candidates with a strong A-Level or equivalent academic history, including a minimum of a Grade C/5 in English and B/6 in Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent).  All applicants must already have the permanent right to work in the UK, this programme is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

    What is the application process for the Sumer Early Careers Programme ?

    Our application process has three stages:

    • Stage 1: Complete the online application form with your basic information, upload your CV, and provide answers to our initial questions.
    • Stage 2: We’ll review your application and if shortlisted, you'll be invited to complete an online assessment via our online platform, Canditech. You can expect some video questions, numeracy and comprehension tests.
    • Stage 3: Successful candidates will be invited to attend an in-person assessment centre for some collaborative task-based exercises and interviews.

  • When can I apply?

    The application open and close dates are:

    14th January – 28th January 2026

    Assessment centre dates are below:

    • Audit – 17th February, afternoon
    • Audit – 24th February, afternoon
    • Audit – 26th February, afternoon
    • Audit – 5th March, afternoon
    • Tax – 10th March, afternoon
    • Business Solutions – 16th March, afternoon

  • Do I need to be a school leaver or graduate to apply?

    No, absolutely not! We encourage school leavers, graduates and those looking for a change of career. As long as you want to start your journey in our industry, and meet the entry criteria we want to hear from you!

  • What if I need some adjustments to the recruitment process?

    Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves . Our commitment is to offer personalised support, so please let us know in your application  how we can support you. Adjustments may include changes such as allowing extra time for tasks, or ensuring accessibility for mobility needs.

  • What if I can’t attend the dates of the assessment centre?

    We understand these dates won’t be suitable for everyone, however open roles will be prioritised for those who are able to attend the dates we’re providing. If you’re unable to attend we will keep your application on file and should future assessment centres be held we will be sure to reach out to see if you can attend one of these instead.

  • What if I’ve missed the deadline for applications this year?

    Please keep a look out on our website in case we have any further opportunities arise this year.

  • If I’m unsuccessful, when can I reapply?

    If you haven’t passed this time you will need to wait six months before being able to retake the test. You are welcome to apply to multiple firms dependant on your location requirements.

  • Do I need to have studied any particular subjects or a specific degree to be considered?

    A strong academic history is part of our entry criteria but we don’t look for specific subjects. We’re passionate about finding the right talent that we can support to build and grow throughout a career with us.

  • What training and support will be available?

    We partner with a leading training provider who will support you through your technical qualification. In addition to this, you will be enrolled onto our Sumer Academy, a bespoke training journey that covers both technical and soft skills throughout your training with us. You can expect a blend of virtual, in person, and self-led learning to make sure you have every opportunity to reach your full potential.

  • If I need to relocate for a role will I receive any financial support?

    We don’t offer any relocation cost support for this programme. However, if you’re successful in obtaining a role we will send you information closer to the time of joining which will include local estate agents, help with rental references and guides on the local area. We don’t offer any relocation cost support for this programme.

  • If I have any questions during the recruitment process, who do I contact?

    Please email your dedicated talent acquisition point of contact, if you’re yet to have one assigned, please email recruitment@sumer.co.uk

Our values

At HW Fisher, as part of Sumer Group, we champion small and medium sized businesses and have three core values to help demonstrate this, that we want all staff to abide by and what we look for in joiners to follow:

WE SHINE TOGETHER – we celebrate everyone’s individuality, and work as one team

WE DO THE RIGHT THING – we act with kindness, fairness and integrity in everything we do

WE MAKE IT COUNT – we’re quietly brave as we make a difference, every day, for our clients and communities

 

 

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you. To book an appointment or to find out more about our services:

+44 (0)20 7388 7000
Fill out a Contact Form

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