Accounts Trainee (Farnham)

Shaw Gibbs is a growing top 35 accountancy practice who provide expert solutions for entrepreneurial businesses and private individuals in Central and Southern England. Shaw Gibbs invest in their teams of high-quality specialists who work with the best-in-breed technology to create value for our clients which exceeds expectation.

Our culture is very important to us and is based on our company values of expert, respectful, innovative and collaborative. We develop high performing teams diverse in experiences, backgrounds and ideas. As a growing company, there are plenty of opportunities for development and quick progression. Our practice is known for having a friendly and supportive team culture where everyone receives training and development to increase their technical knowledge and their commercial and management skills. We put our people first and are constantly looking for ways to improve our people experience. With respectful as one of our values, we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that respects, values and celebrates cultural and individual differences.

To support the organisation’s growth, we have created a new opportunity for an Accounts Trainee to join our Farnham Outsourcing team. This position also includes a comprehensive induction and full funding to pursue professional qualifications.

Job responsibilities

• Using cloud‑based digital tools (Silverfin, Dext and Xero) to streamline data capture, automate processing and maintain real‑time financial records, ensuring accurate and timely reporting for Managers, Partners, and clients.
• Supporting the delivery of outsourced finance‑function services, working closely with clients to understand their operational processes and provide high‑quality financial insights that support decision‑making.
• Developing technical accounting knowledge through on‑the‑job training and formal qualifications, applying this to real‑world scenarios within digitally‑enabled workflows.
• Managing your own workload effectively, including organising your client portfolio, staying on top of emails, and maintaining an accurate and up‑to‑date calendar to meet deadlines and support efficient service delivery.
• Producing simple, reconciled monthly management information — including profit and loss reports and balance sheets — using digital platforms to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Preparing basic tax computations and returns (e.g., corporation tax) within cloud‑based environments.
• Preparing monthly and quarterly VAT returns for a range of clients (sole traders, limited companies and partnerships), using digital data sources to ensure compliance and completeness.
• Creating and maintaining digital working papers (via Silverfin), including bank reconciliations, VAT reconciliations and other control account schedules.
• Assisting with the preparation and finalisation of statutory accounts under the supervision of your manager, using Xero data and digital review tools.

Job requirements

• You may apply after A-Levels (A,B,B) or equivalent qualifications. Alternatively, we welcome applications from university students who have achieved or are predicted to achieve a 2:1 or above.
• You must have GCSEs in Maths and English at grade 5 or above.
• Proven communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong IT skills, specifically Excel and able to pick up new IT packages very quickly.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• A positive, confident and proactive attitude.
• Enjoy working as part of a team and self-motivated.
• Willingness to undertake and succeed in a range of professional studies.
• Relevant work experience and/or experience of working within a practice environment would be great but not essential.

Job benefits

• A comprehensive study package including full funding to pursue your AAT/ATT & ACA/CTA qualifications, study leave, and time off for exams.
• Hybrid working after successful completion of your probationary period (four days in the office and one day at home).
• Flexible working (flexing your hours around the core working hours of 10am to 4pm).
• Joining a fast-growing company with exciting growth plans ahead.
• Exposure to a wide range of clients across many industries.
• Plenty of opportunity to increase your technical knowledge and skills.
• A varied role within a talented and experienced team.
• ERIC internal recognition awards – monthly recognition awards that celebrate those who champion the Shaw Gibbs values.
• Long service awards.
• Regular employee events including a company-wide summer party.
• A competitive benefits package, including a 23-day core holiday allowance plus other holiday-related benefits.
• A dedicated “Wellbeing Day” – an additional day off per year to focus on your wellbeing.
• Employee Assistant Programme (EAP) which includes access to 24/7 online GP consultations, 2nd medical opinions and mental health first aiders present in every office.
• Access to MYNDUP – a wellbeing support platform which offers confidential 1-to-1 sessions with therapists, counsellors, psychologists, and coaches.
• Enhanced maternity leave.
• Shaw Gibbs Rewards – access to discounts on a wide range of retailers.
• Health Cash Plan – money back on routine health appointments.
• Electric Vehicles Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Client and employee referral bonuses.
• Death in Service Life Assurance.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

Shaw Gibbs is an inclusive employer and we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates by ensuring a comfortable and accessible interview experience. We understand that some individuals may have specific needs or require accommodation/adjustments during the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to ensure your recruitment experience with Shaw Gibbs is as inclusive and accessible as possible, please let us know at your earliest convenience via the application form or via an email to recruitment@shawgibbs.com.

We believe that diversity makes Shaw Gibbs a stronger firm and we look to employ people with different ideas, styles and skillsets. This diversity stimulates a rich, creative environment – one in which our people develop, and our clients enjoy enduring results. We’re committed to recruiting, promoting and rewarding our people solely based on their ability to contribute to Shaw Gibbs’ goals, without regard to their sex, gender, race, disability, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or marital status.

Right to work

Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer sponsorship for visas/work permits, so you will need to have full right to work in the UK. Your application will be automatically rejected if you do not have full right to work.