At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with accounts preparation and build strong relationships in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Scrutton Bland, a forward-thinking accountancy practice with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 36 days holiday, health cash plan, and professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with a focus on personal growth and well-being.
- Why this job: Kickstart your accountancy career with hands-on experience and support towards your chartered qualification.
- Qualifications: Studying towards ACCA/ACA or AAT qualified, with relevant work experience.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Take the next step in your accountancy career with an exciting opportunity at Scrutton Bland, a forward-thinking and well-established practice, and part of the wider Sumer Group. We are seeking a motivated and ambitious individual to join us as a Trainee Client Support. This opportunity would suit candidates with prior experience in an accountancy or finance environment who are ready to build on their existing knowledge.
This role offers a strong combination of hands-on experience, structured training, and professional development, supporting you as you progress towards your chartered qualification. If you are detail-oriented, eager to develop, and looking to grow within a supportive and collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative team, where they will have the opportunity to combine their existing accounting experience with a fresh, innovative approach to client service. This role is well-suited to an individual who is keen to take the next step in their career, building on their technical knowledge while developing strong client relationships. You will be responsible for undertaking and reviewing accounts preparation work as directed, while playing a key role in delivering a high standard of service to a varied client portfolio. The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Supporting the preparation and review of statutory financial statements, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to relevant accounting standards.
- Assisting with the production of management accounts, including analysis and commentary, as well as contributing to the preparation of financial forecasts.
- Providing support with tax compliance work, including the preparation of personal and corporate tax returns and ensuring deadlines are met.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Collaborating with colleagues across the team to meet deadlines, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive and professional working environment.
The successful candidate will:
- Be partway through studying towards their ACCA or ACA qualification or be AAT qualified as a minimum.
- Have work experience in a similar environment.
- Be able to analyse and interpret information.
- Be personable and enjoy building and maintaining client relationships.
- Be able to demonstrate their ability to use their initiative in the application and use of technology.
- Be competent using Microsoft Office and ideally, have experience of Xero and other cloud accounting software packages.
We offer an attractive reward and flexible benefits package which you can tailor to suit your needs.
- Flexible working alongside a culture that promotes work-life balance.
- Commitment to continued learning & development.
- 36 days holiday (including 8 bank holidays and 3 days Christmas closure).
- Option to purchase a further 5 days holiday.
- Life Assurance up to 4× salary and contribution towards the firm's pension scheme.
- Access to our health cash plan (Health Shield) day one, where you can claim towards your dental, optical, health and wellbeing expenses – we believe health and wellbeing is so important.
- Amazing employee referral scheme, paying up to £5,000 for a successful referral.
- Access to mental health support.
- Employee health and wellbeing program.
- Regular social and informal events within the organisation.
At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.
Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all candidates. Let our team know how we can bring out your fullest potential.
Trainee Client Support employer: Scrutton Bland
Scrutton Bland is an excellent employer for those looking to advance their accountancy careers, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowances and health support, this role as a Trainee Client Support provides a unique opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment while building meaningful client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Client Support
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Get involved in online forums and communities dedicated to customer support, like those on Reddit or specialised Facebook groups. Networking with industry peers can open doors to trainee opportunities with companies like Scrutton Bland.
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Check out local job fairs and career expos, especially those focusing on customer service roles. Meeting potential employers face-to-face can give you an edge over others applying for the trainee position at Scrutton Bland.
✨Leverage Your University Resources
If you're still in education, make use of your university's career services—they often have strong ties with companies looking for trainees. They might have insider knowledge about openings at places like Scrutton Bland that you're keen on.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Since customer support is all about people, highlight your communication and problem-solving skills in your interactions. When you apply to Scrutton Bland, make sure they see your passion for helping others!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Client Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your people skills!:For a customer support trainee role, it's super important to highlight any experience you have in dealing with customers, whether that's through part-time jobs, volunteering, or even helping out at events. We want to see how you connect with people, so share examples of how you've successfully resolved issues or enhanced someone's experience.
Tailor your CV to us!:When applying for a trainee role at Scrutton Bland, make sure your CV reflects your enthusiasm for customer support. List any relevant experiences, even if they're informal, and don't forget to mention your communication skills. A concise, clear layout will help us see how you're a perfect fit for our team.
Write about your learning goals!:Since this is a trainee position, we love seeing your motivation to learn and grow. In your cover letter, let us know what you hope to gain from working with us at Scrutton Bland. This could include specific skills or knowledge areas—show us you’re keen to dive in and develop your customer support expertise!
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills!:Customer support is all about solving problems, so make sure to highlight any experiences where you've had to think on your feet! Whether it was a tricky school project or helping a friend out, share how you approached the issue and what the outcome was. This will show us you're ready for the challenges at Scrutton Bland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scrutton Bland
✨Know Your Customer Support Basics
Make sure you're familiar with the key skills in customer support, like active listening and empathy. Expect questions on how to handle difficult customers or resolve common issues – we might want to hear how you’d approach a real-life scenario, so think of a few examples where you showcased these skills.
✨Brush Up on the Tools
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk. Even if you haven't used them before, understanding how they work will show Scrutton Bland that you’re proactive and willing to learn. They might ask about your experience with similar software or how you'd adapt quickly to new tools.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, emphasising your desire to learn and grow is crucial. Think about what you hope to gain from this experience at Scrutton Bland and be ready to discuss how you plan to develop your skills in customer support. Demonstrating a positive attitude and openness to feedback can go a long way!
✨Prepare for Role-Playing
In customer support interviews, it's fairly common to have a role-playing exercise where you'll need to handle a customer query. Practice your approach not just in resolving issues, but also in how you communicate clearly and professionally. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hesitate to showcase your verbal skills!