Accounts Assistant (Trainee)

Churchgates brings together a unique and powerful combination of Accountants, Tax Advisers, Solicitors, Financial Planners, Investment Managers, and a dedicated team of operational support staff all under one roof. We believe in treating everyone with respect, and our culture reflects this through a friendly yet professional environment where traditional values still matter.

This position is based in the accounts department of our office based at Langton Place in Bury St Edmunds. The role includes a structured training programme which will lay the foundation for your career as an Accountant, equipping you with the skills, knowledge and acumen you need to become an expert in the field. It combines on the job training with a professional exam qualification; either AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) or ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) depending on your level and field of education, with the option of a combined CTA (Chartered Tax Advisers) qualification alongside. All your exam costs and study support will be covered by us in addition to your salary. We are looking for someone who loves problem solving, thinking analytically and is a good communicator, who will fit our friendly yet professional work culture. You may be a school leaver or a graduate, and this will determine the level at which you commence your professional studies.
The role
The main duties of the role will include the following:

Preparation of draft accounts and tax computations with supervision as required, for sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, LLPs and charities, where applicable, on the firm’s software (CCH).
Ensuring all files produced meet with the firm’s standards prior to review by a senior member of staff.  The accounts file should have sufficient detail for the tax department and should include supporting analysis and invoices.  Once reviewed, ensuring all review points raised are cleared.
Correspondence with clients and third parties as required.
Providing support in dealing with telephone calls, client meetings and general office administration, where required.
Carrying out any other duties to meet with the needs of the business.
Providing support in ad hoc pieces of client work, including technical research where applicable.
The ability to manage own time and work to deadlines, communicating effectively with senior team members.

Skills required
We will accept A-level, Graduate level or part-qualified applicants for this role, with:

GCSE grade C / level 4 or above in Maths and English
Have (or be predicted) excellent exam results at A or degree level.
You will enjoy problem solving
You will have the ability to analyse data
You will be interested in pursuing a career in accountancy
You will be able to manage your own time and work to deadlines
You will have to communicate effectively with other team members and have the ability to work well in a team
You will need to have great attention to detail.

What you will receive

A competitive starting salary
22 days holiday (excluding bank holidays)
Birthday Leave
Holiday purchase/sale scheme
Flexible homeworking policy
Matching employer pension contributions of up to 6% salary
Salary sacrifice available for pension contributions
Income Protection if you are off work due to long term illness or injury equal to 50% of salary until State Pension Age
Private Health Insurance – Individual cover available
Paid study leave
All professional exams, study books, revision courses and resources paid for (at the first attempt)
Up to two professional subscriptions paid for
Encouragement to develop and learn by attending training courses and CPD events
Employee Assistance programme
Length of service recognition
Social events paid for or subsidised by the firm