Graduate Trainee Accountant - London (Waterloo)

For over 120 years Arnold Hill & Co LLP has been providing a professional, personal and friendly accounting and tax service to corporate and individuals. Our office is conveniently based outside Waterloo Station; we are ideally located for our clients spread throughout the capital.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working Graduate to work within our Audit and Accounts team. This is an excellent opportunity to start your career in accountancy with full support towards achieving your ACA or ACCA qualification. We will cover the cost of your qualification and provide paid study leave to help you succeed in your exams. You will embark on a structured, rewarding journey to success – combining practical on the job training with academic learning.

The majority of these tasks are not expected to be familiar to the Graduate Trainee Accountant prior to joining the firm. They will be learned on the job through the guidance and support of Audit Seniors and Audit Managers, and reinforced by the knowledge gained during the ACA studies.

As part of the Audit and Accounts team, you will assist in delivering high-quality audit services to a diverse portfolio of clients, including corporate entities, charities, and other organisations. Your work will include:

• Supporting the planning, execution, and completion of statutory and specialist audits (such as Service Charge, Charity, and SRA audits) in accordance with professional standards.
• Performing audit testing and analytical review procedures, documenting results, and drawing conclusions based on evidence obtained.
• Assisting in the preparation of financial statements and related documentation using CCH software (or other relevant systems).
• Collaborating with colleagues across departments, including the Corporation Tax team, to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.
• Engaging directly with clients to obtain information, resolve queries, and build strong working relationships.
• Contributing to audit planning and completion processes, including the preparation of key schedules, management letters, and carry-forward notes.
• Participating in on-site audits (occasionally involving travel and overnight stays outside London).
• Ensuring all work is completed to a high standard, properly reviewed, and fully signed off within agreed budgets and timelines.

Working within the Audit and Accounts team, you will assist in preparing accurate and compliant financial statements for a range of clients, gaining valuable experience across multiple accounting frameworks and entity types. Your work will include:

• Preparing statutory and management accounts for a variety of entities — including companies, groups, LLPs, service charge accounts, charities, and pension schemes — in accordance with FRS 102, FRS 105, or IFRS.
• Using accounting software such as CCH, Xero, or Sage to extract data and produce well‑structured working papers and draft accounts.
• Reviewing and updating notes and disclosures to ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and statutory requirements.
• Performing account reconciliations and analytical reviews, identifying variances and assisting in the resolution of queries.
• Collaborating with bookkeepers, clients, and tax teams to ensure all information is complete, accurate, and properly supported.
• Preparing supporting schedules and documentation, including tax computations, reconciliations, and management reports.
• Ensuring all work is delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with agreed budgets and deadlines.

A strong work ethic and a keen desire to learn. Highly organised with good attention to detail.