Should I leave my Grad Scheme after 5 months for another?

Yes I would personally move if I were you, in todays market the brand name matters a lot you’ll see companies specially stating ACA from big 4, you’ll learn the same things but it’s about the internal moves you can also take but most importantly the brand name big 4 ACA qualified is better than ACA at mid market

I am in a similar position (although in a different field). I plan to change graduate schemes in september and will not be telling my current employer until later on. I would double check there are no cost implications with the training/qualification done at your current company but other than that, I think go for it

I seriously doubt you would work 10% fewer hours in big4. Might be a good move in any case.

the move will be fine! I know of quite a few colleagues that left their grad schemes mid-way to join mine. Only complication may be if your current company are sponsoring your ACA! You may be required to pay back a sum of money to return their investment into your qualification. Check your contract, and don't mention anything about leaving until you have to within your notice period!

Ah! Was considering telling my firm that I plan on leaving in 5 months in hopes of getting to waive off doing any exams until then (they don’t let me take exemptions but the other firm does). Likely will let them know in time to get a month break before starting. One bad thing is that I’ll have to go through the whole onboarding and training process again which is the worst, worth it in the long run.

How was your colleagues experience with leaving their previous grad scheme mid way?

At the new firm, would I have to retake the exams I already have done now? Specifically ones that I don’t have exemption in but completed before on the previous grad scheme.

And is there anything else I should know?

If you tell your firm now, they will say goodbye now. Why would they continue to pay you when you don't want to work for them? You don't have 2 year's employment, you have no protection, they can get rid for ay reason except a protected characteristic.

Read your contract, understand any amortisation requirements (obligation to pay back training costs if you don't work for a certain duration afterwards) and understand your notice period, give notice exactly according to that.