EARLY CAREERS AT BALLARDS 

Be part of something bigger 

Join a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and celebrates success along the way.

Your path

Starting your career with us 

Whether you’re stepping out of school or are exploring a graduate programme, Ballards is a place where ambition meets support.

Your development is guided, your achievements are celebrated, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. With structured programmes designed for school leavers and graduates, we provide the tools, mentorship, and environment to help you build a strong foundation and kickstart your career.

Apprenticeships 

Joining Ballards as an apprentice is a fantastic way to start your career while studying for professional qualifications. It’s a practical alternative to university that gives you the technical knowledge and hands-on experience to grow. You’ll work towards your AAT qualification up to Level 4, with full support from our team at every step. From there, you can choose to specialise in accounting, audit or tax.  

Graduates

Our graduate programme is a three-year journey designed to take you from graduate to a professionally qualified Chartered Accountant. Along the way, you’ll receive support from colleagues, mentors, and managers as you work towards your ACA or CTA qualification. From day one, you’ll gain hands-on experience with real clients, contributing to projects that give you insight into the full business lifecycle. We won’t limit your opportunities or pigeonhole you, this is your chance to explore a variety of areas until you discover where you want to specialise. 

INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE

Be part of a growing team

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Our continued investment in early careers has driven steady graduate growth over the last four years.

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Of employees are engaged in further training and development

Demonstrating our commitment to investing in our people and building a culture of continuous improvement.

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of the 2025 graduate intake were female

Reflecting our commitment to building a balanced, inclusive team from the very start.

WORKPLACE AND CULTURE

Your career, your community 

At Ballards, life at work is about more than what you do, it’s about who you become along the way. From day one, you’re part of a supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued and your growth is nurtured.

Building connections

We believe relationships are at the heart of a great career. Whether it’s mentoring from experienced colleagues, networking across teams, or social events that bring everyone together, you’ll build meaningful connections that last throughout your career. 

Learning and development

Your career journey is guided, not left to chance. Career development plans provide a structured path that aligns with your ambitions. You’ll be trusted with responsibility early on, gaining real-world experience that accelerates your professional growth. 

Celebrating success

Recognition is part of our culture. From team achievements to individual milestones, we celebrate success in ways that make you feel seen and valued. Regular awards, shout-outs, and firm-wide acknowledgements ensure your hard work never goes unnoticed. 

Work-life balance

A fulfilling career shouldn’t come at the cost of your life outside work. With flexible and hybrid working options, wellbeing initiatives, and a focus on balance, we empower you to thrive both professionally and personally. 

Making an impact

Being part of Ballards also means being part of a community that cares. Whether through charity initiatives, volunteering opportunities, or firm-wide social events, you’ll have plenty of ways to make a difference and connect beyond the office. 

WORKPLACE AND CULTURE

Your career, your community 

At Ballards, life at work is about more than what you do, it’s about who you become along the way. From day one, you’re part of a supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued and your growth is nurtured.

Building connections

We believe relationships are at the heart of a great career. Whether it’s mentoring from experienced colleagues, networking across teams, or social events that bring everyone together, you’ll build meaningful connections that last throughout your career. 

Learning and development

Your career journey is guided, not left to chance. Career development plans provide a structured path that aligns with your ambitions. You’ll be trusted with responsibility early on, gaining real-world experience that accelerates your professional growth. 

Celebrating success

Recognition is part of our culture. From team achievements to individual milestones, we celebrate success in ways that make you feel seen and valued. Regular awards, shout-outs, and firm-wide acknowledgements ensure your hard work never goes unnoticed. 

Work-life balance

A fulfilling career shouldn’t come at the cost of your life outside work. With flexible and hybrid working options, wellbeing initiatives, and a focus on balance, we empower you to thrive both professionally and personally. 

Making an impact

Being part of Ballards also means being part of a community that cares. Whether through charity initiatives, volunteering opportunities, or firm-wide social events, you’ll have plenty of ways to make a difference and connect beyond the office. 

BENEFITS

A package that works for your life and career

  • Enhanced annual leave.
  • A flexible approach to balancing work and life – hybrid working.
  • Volunteering Charity Day – a day where you can support your chosen charity through volunteering without the need to take your annual leave.
  • Enhanced family leave – leave when you need it most.
  • Group Personal Pension Plan.
  • Life Assurance.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Other wellbeing benefits.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme.
  • Electric Car Scheme.
  • Flexible Holiday Purchase Scheme.

Open vacancies

Start your journey with Ballards.

Vacancies
Vacancies
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Answered with clarity, not jargon

Do I need prior experience to join Ballards?
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No. We don’t expect you to arrive with experience — what matters most is your enthusiasm to learn, your curiosity and your commitment to developing a career in  Audit, Tax or Accounting. 

When do applications open?
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Applications for both the school leaver and graduate programmes typically open in the Autumn for the following year’s intake.  

What support will I get for my exams?
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You’ll receive fully-funded training, study leave, and comprehensive support throughout your qualification. Career development managers and mentors will guide you along the way, ensuring you have the time and resources to succeed. 

What makes Ballards different from other firms?
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You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with Partners and senior leaders from the very start, gaining hands-on experience and meaningful responsibility early in your career. You’ll work across a wide range of sectors, developing both technical expertise and commercial insight - helping you build a strong, versatile foundation for your future.

Will I get client-facing experience?
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Absolutely. From the start, you’ll work on real client projects alongside experienced team members. This hands-on experience is a key part of our graduate and school leaver programmes, helping you build confidence and practical skills quickly.

What career progression can I expect?
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We’re committed to helping you grow at every stage of your career. From day one, you’ll follow a structured training programme designed to build your technical expertise and professional skills, while also receiving ongoing mentoring from experienced colleagues. Regular performance reviews ensure you receive feedback, guidance, and recognition for your achievements.

What social and extracurricular opportunities are there?
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We believe building strong connections is just as important as developing professionally. Our social and charity committees organise regular events, team activities, and fundraising initiatives, giving you plenty of opportunities to get involved, make friends, and contribute to the wider community.