ACCA Trainee (February 2025)

The Firm:

HW Fisher is a top 30 audit and advisory firm. We are a commercially astute organisation with a personal, partner-led service aimed at entrepreneurial small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporates, Not for Profit organisations and high-net worth individuals.

Our clients come from many different backgrounds and are active in all branches of commerce and industry. Our reputation is grounded in quality, delivering premium advisory services efficiently and cost-effectively.

Founded in 1933, the practice comprises 27 partners and approximately 300 staff supplying a range of services spanning audit, corporate taxation, private client services, VAT and forensic accounting, together with a range of sector groups offering specialist industry knowledge.

The Department:

Business Solutions is a department within the HW Fisher organisation providing a “one-stop shop” for SMEs and owner managed businesses including personal and corporate tax, accounting, and VAT functions. The department looks after a range of clients in various sectors, though there is a particular interest within the authors and journalists sector.

The Role:

We are looking for a trainee to work within the Business Solutions department and to study the ACCA qualification on a three year training contract, assisting our managers in the above functions.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the role are varied, and include the following:

• Preparing company accounts and corporation tax returns to be reviewed by the Manager/Partner
• Preparing self-employment accounts and personal/partnership tax returns
• Communicating with clients and HMRC directly on a variety of matters
• Assisting with a portfolio of clients alongside managers
• Preparing VAT Returns
• Other ad hoc duties in line with the role

The Candidate:

The ideal candidate will ideally be a fully qualified AAT member and have prior experience within an accountancy firm undertaking similar duties to the above. We also require the following qualities:

• Attention to detail
• The ability to produce accurate work under minimal supervision
• The ability to work under pressure
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Good computer literacy, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft packages, especially Microsoft Excel
• A good working knowledge of income tax and accounting principles

Though it would be good if candidates had experience using our relevant software packages, including AP, Digita, ProAudit and Alphatax, full training will be provided on these.

In return, we will offer full study support for the ACCA qualification on a three-year training contract. Studies will be undertaken with our training provider, First Intuition.

The Benefits:

• Salary: competitive, with salary reviews every 6 months
• Group Life Cover
• 20 days holiday on commencement
• Buying and Selling Holiday Scheme
• Hybrid working policy – at least 2 days in the office a week, with a core hours system in place, though office attendance is required more frequently at the start of the role
• Contributory Private Health Scheme
• Non-Contributory Health Cash Plan
• Season Ticket Loan (after qualifying period)
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Discounted Tastecard
• Perkbox Membership
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle voucher scheme

To apply for this position please send a CV and covering letter to Michael Fraser at mfraser@hwfisher.co.uk.