At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare VAT returns and deliver exceptional client service.
- Company: The Affinity Group, a leading professional accounting services provider since 1995.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, study support, free lunches, and vibrant company events.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team that values people and culture.
- Why this job: Kickstart your accounting career in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: AAT, ACCA or ACA qualified (part or fully) with relevant practice experience.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 25000 £ per year.
Established in 1995, the Affinity Group stands as a beacon in the professional accounting services landscape, offering expert accounting and tax services to contractors, freelancers, and SMEs. Our team of over 80 professionals, with most based in our Ferndown head office, is ready to welcome new additions! We provide a wealth of opportunities for ambitious individuals seeking to grow professionally and we are committed to nurturing our people to help them achieve their maximum potential.
Your Role
We are looking for an Accountant to join our busy team in Ferndown. The ideal candidate will be AAT, ACCA or ACA qualified (part or fully) and possess relevant practice experience. Reporting to the Client Director, you will focus on delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring a high level of quality that meets our clients’ expectations.
Knowledge and Experience
- The ideal candidate should have knowledge or experience in:
- Microsoft Office programs including Outlook
- A minimum of one year’s experience in the accounting industry
- Experience with accounting software
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Preparing and submitting VAT returns, statutory accounts and corporation tax returns from both manual records and software.
- Reviewing client financial records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with relevant regulations and internal standards.
- Delivering excellent client service by effectively managing and responding to daily client needs, queries, and requests.
- Communicating professionally with clients and colleagues using phone calls, email correspondence, and Microsoft Teams to ensure smooth coordination and information sharing.
- Managing and responding to internal and external email queries in a timely and efficient manner.
- Maintaining internal control records and processes, including issuing regular reminders and follow-ups to clients via email.
- Acting as an ambassador for our company values in all communications and interactions with clients and colleagues.
- Consistently working towards, and aiming to exceed, defined performance targets and KPIs.
About You
People and Culture are the two most important aspects of our work here at The Affinity Group. We look for super stars who can help contribute to the continued development of a growing company. So, if the following sounds like you, you might be the one for us:
- Confident and willing to learn
- Looking to develop their career in accounting
- Detail-oriented and accurate
- Adaptable to a dynamic and fast‑paced environment
- Well‑organised
- Team player
Salary and Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary based on experience, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits, including:
- 25 days of holiday plus statutory bank holidays (including the option to buy and sell holiday)
- Study support to aid your professional development
- Company pension scheme
- Free financial advice (pensions, mortgages, investments, etc.)
- Dress down days
- Engaging company events and a vibrant social calendar
- Staff incentives to enhance your income potential
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- On‑site parking
- Free lunch on Fridays once a month and free weekly breakfast
Work Hours: 9am-5.15pm, Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time and permanent
Location: Ferndown, in person
Salary: up to £25,000 per year, based on experience
Ready to Join the Team?
If you are ready to bring your skills to Ferndown, we invite you to apply and become a part of a company that makes number-crunching an exciting and fulfilling career! If you think this is the job for you, please send your CV and covering letter to: careers@the-affinity-group.co.uk
Trainee Accountant employer: The Affinity Group
The Affinity Group is an exceptional employer located in Ferndown, dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for aspiring accountants. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, we offer comprehensive study support, competitive benefits, and a vibrant company culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and helps you achieve your full potential in the accounting field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Accountant
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're a student or recent grad eyeing a trainee role in banking or financial services, your university career services are your secret weapon. They often have connections with firms, and can guide you to exclusive openings that aren't advertised widely, so make sure to get in touch!
✨Get Involved in Finance Societies
Joining finance-related societies or clubs at your university can seriously up your game. They often host networking events, guest speaker sessions, and workshops that can connect you directly with industry professionals and potential employers.
✨Show Your Passion Through Projects
Try working on finance-related projects or internships, even if they're unpaid. It shows your commitment and gives you something to discuss in interviews. Plus, if you've got a blog or a portfolio detailing your findings on market trends, that can really impress recruiters!
✨Use Our Website to Find Opportunities
We at StudySmarter recommend that you regularly check our website for trainee opportunities at leading companies like The Affinity Group. They often post openings directly there, so don't miss out on the chance to apply and show what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show your numbers!:In banking and financial services, we love a bit of quantification. Be sure to highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or projects that showcase your analytical skills. If you've tackled math-heavy subjects or have experience with financial modelling, let that shine on your CV!
Tailor your application to finance:Don't just copy and paste a generic cover letter; weave in your passion for finance and share any relevant experiences or internships, no matter how small. Writing about your motivations and learning potential in relation to the role will help us see you fit in at The Affinity Group.
Certifications can set you apart:If you've got any finance-related certifications (think CFA Level 1, ACCA, or even online courses), make sure to include them! They show initiative and a commitment to your career in banking, which we really appreciate.
Proofread with a fine-tooth comb:In finance, attention to detail is crucial! Spam your application with typos or poor formatting, and we may flag you as 'not detail-oriented'. So, let’s double-check everything. A clear structure in your CV and cover letter will also help your application stand out. Remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Affinity Group
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Make sure you’re comfortable with financial concepts and terminology. The interview may dive into areas like risk assessment or investment strategies, so revisiting some core principles and current trends in the banking sector will really help us stand out at The Affinity Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios where you’ll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Practising with examples can help us articulate our thought process clearly and show how we approach problem-solving specific to the banking and financial services sector.
✨Highlight Your Learning Agility
As a trainee, they’re looking for potential over experience. We should emphasise our willingness to learn and adapt. Be ready to discuss how we’ve taken on challenges in the past, showcasing our growth mindset and eagerness to dive into the banking world with both feet.
✨Showcase Your Interest in the Industry
Let your passion for banking shine through! Discuss any relevant coursework, internships, or even personal finance projects you’ve explored. This not only demonstrates our knowledge but also our genuine enthusiasm for a career in banking at The Affinity Group.
