Trainee Accountant

Trainee Accountant based in Wimbledon SW19

About the Firm

WSM Partners LLP was established in 1983 and has grown to become an ambitious tax and accounting firm. We are looking for bright, enthusiastic and committed people who are keen to share our vision to grow a firm where clients value the services that we provide and respect the relationship with their advisors; where our people aspire to have greater knowledge and are enthusiastic to service their clients; where we succeed in delivering benefits to our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate.

We provide an environment where creative, people-orientated professionals can work and thrive without the bureaucratic restraints inherent in a very large firm.  At present we have five partners, supported by a further five client directors and a team of over fifty staff.

We provide our services through three client focussed teams: Private Clients, mostly personal tax planning and compliance for high-net worth individuals; Business Advisory services for owner managed and corporate businesses; and we have a sister firm providing Insolvency, offering debt recovery services to businesses.

The Training

Subject to passing your short probationary period, you will be given a L7 apprenticeship agreement to study for either the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (“ICAEW”) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (“ACCA”) qualification during which time you will receive a broad range of practical experience while benefitting from a full apprenticeship study package.

Each trainee is mentored, and the directors and partners take an active interest in the development of each individual.  Trainees are encouraged to take responsibility early in their career at WSM with direct exposure to clients expected within the first six months, whether supporting senior members of the team in face-to-face meetings, on the telephone or perhaps in person while undertaking an audit at a client’s premises.

The Role

You will be expected to develop a good understanding of current accounting standards and practices through course attendance and practical work experience.

With guidance, you will be expected to plan and organise work assignments, monitoring your own progress to ensure deadlines are met.  You can expect to work on clients in a variety of sectors assisting them with such tasks as management accounts and VAT returns to the preparation of statutory accounts and advising on their corporation tax affairs.  You can also expect to undertake audit and other assurance work as part of a larger team.

You will also assist with internal accounting procedures to ensure on successful completion of your exams you have a full and broad knowledge of the requirements of a qualified accountant.

There are strong opportunities for career progression with many trainees taking on managerial roles prior to qualification.  Beyond qualification there are always opportunities to move into more senior positions within the firm subject to the specific strengths and characteristics of the individual.

Skills / Qualifications

You will be expected to have a minimum of 136 UCAS points plus an Upper Second-Class honours degree.  English and maths skills are however vital to the role, and you would therefore be expected to have grade 6 or above at GCSE in both these subjects.

We use IT in all our assignments and as such you must have strong IT skills, including being proficient in Excel and other Microsoft Office packages.

About You

The ability to fit well into WSM and the corporate department on a personal and professional level is crucial and we would therefore expect candidates to show the following characteristics:

• Team player: You show a willingness and ability to work cooperatively and supportively, developing positive open working relationships.
• Motivated: You set and achieve goals and are determined to overcome challenges you may face.
• Organised: You must be able to prioritise tasks, plan and use time effectively ensuring tasks are completed to meet deadlines and importantly our clients’ expectations.
• Professional, presentable, personable and articulate: You approach others in a professional manner and are able to work well under pressure showing excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong work ethic: You are reliable, focussed and have an attentive attitude to work.
• Genuine interest in business: You have the ability to observe and understand business systems and processes.
• Flexible: You demonstrate a willingness and ability to adapt to new circumstances, information and challenges.
• Detailed: You have meticulous attention to detail as well as the ability to follow instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Desire to learn: You want to continuously improve and challenge yourself.
• Outgoing: We have high professional standards but we are also a sociable team who enjoy an active social life that comes with working at WSM.

Please note in all instances you must have the right to work in the UK.

Other Information

The role is based in Wimbledon but will require visits to other locations as the job demands.  You will be expected to work 37.5 hours each week Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm, with a one-hour lunch break.  Our starting salary for this role is £26,500 and salaries are reviewed as you successfully progress through the professional qualification, ensuring they remain competitive.

Holiday entitlement is 20 days per annum (plus bank holidays) increasing by one day for every full year worked up to a maximum of 25 days.  Other benefits include pension contributions, subsidised gym membership, cycle to work scheme and childcare vouchers.

We have an active social committee who organise regular events, in addition there is an annual summer event which in previous years has involved axe throwing, duck herding and attempts at wakeboarding.  There is always an annual Christmas dinner where the whole firm can relax and celebrate the year.

WSM supports a different charity each year and this year’s beneficiary is Polka Theatre.  We are very active in the local community and also sponsor a number of high-profile local events such as the Wimbledon music and literary festivals and arts trail.