Audit and Accounts Trainee (Winchester)

Martin & Company are a prominent accountancy and tax advisory practice with offices based in Winchester, Thame, and Liss. They have exemplary expertise in the farming and agricultural sector, landed estates and private client spaces. Martin & Company joined the Shaw Gibbs Group in April 2024, a growing top 35 accountancy practice who provide expert solutions for entrepreneurial businesses and private individuals.

Members of the Shaw Gibbs Group are committed to investment in their teams of high-quality specialists who work with the best‑in‑breed technology to create value for 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. We have several offices in Central and Southern England and have ambitious plans to expand our business. To support the organisation’s growth, we have created a new opportunity for an Audit and Accounts Trainee to join our growing Audit team. This is a full‑time permanent position that will be based in our Winchester office. The role will also offer hybrid (three days in the office and up to two days working at home) and flexible working options (flexing your hours on different days to suit your lifestyle).

Job responsibilities

• This is a trainee position which includes full training and support in order to develop your skills and abilities for a long‑term career within our practice.
• Your key responsibilities will include:

• Building productive working relationships within Shaw Gibbs and with clients as required
• Developing and applying your technical knowledge through on‑the‑job training and formal qualifications
• Using various software to provide accurate information and reporting for Managers, Partners and clients
• Producing profit and loss accounts and balance sheets
• Preparing basic tax computations and returns e.g. corporation tax
• Preparing working papers including bank reconciliations, other reconciliations and manual control accounts
• Helping to prepare statutory accounts and finalise accounts under the overall supervision of your manager
• Assist in performing audit testing on less complex areas, such as bank and purchases. Also, participate in stock counts for audit clients.

Job requirements

• There are two routes to enter our training programme. 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 is not essential
• A willingness to travel to clients and other offices

Job benefits

• A comprehensive study package including full funding to pursue your ACA qualification, 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, such as: Holiday trading (the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days holiday per year), flexible bank holidays (the ability to flex your bank holidays to a day that suits you best) and additional holiday with service
• 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, online counselling, 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.
• 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
• Enhanced maternity leave

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.