At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in accounts, tax, payroll, and bookkeeping while supporting clients.
- Company: Join a specialist accountancy firm focused on the construction industry.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional training, and a clear path to client management.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Develop your accounting skills and make a real impact in a growing firm.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above; AAT Level 2 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
We're looking for an apprentice to train as an Assistant Accountant. This isn't a single-task role; you'll get genuine breadth across accounts, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, and company secretarial work. We're looking for someone with some experience already, who wants responsibility and a clear path to owning a portfolio of clients themselves.
About the Employer
Thomas Emlyn Ltd is a specialist accountancy firm built exclusively around the construction industry. We work with ambitious, growing construction businesses, from £1m up to £20m+ turnover, helping them improve margins, control cash flow, and build the systems that let owners step back from the day‑to‑day and run their business. We're not a generalist practice; we are experts in what we do. Our clients are ambitious, and we hold ourselves to the same standard internally. That includes investing in technology: we want to be at the forefront of how accountancy is delivered, not playing catch‑up, and every member of the team brings curiosity about how new tools and automation can make our work sharper and more valuable to clients.
What You'll Do
- Assist the Senior Manager in preparing year‑end accounts and tax returns for our clients.
- Help ensure clients remain fully compliant with their statutory obligations.
- Support the Head of VFO (our bookkeeping department) to keep client bookkeeping data and records accurate and up to date.
- Assist with preparing and filing CIS returns and VAT returns, including construction‑specific rules such as the domestic reverse charge.
- Be trained in running client payrolls, working alongside experienced team members.
- Progress towards independently managing payroll for a portfolio of clients.
- Carry out company secretarial tasks including Companies House filings for our clients.
- Assist in preparing management information (MI) that gives our clients real insight into how their business is performing, a core part of how we help owners make better decisions.
- Communicate directly with HMRC on behalf of clients, handling queries professionally and accurately.
- Build the confidence and client‑facing communication skills needed to represent Thomas Emlyn well.
- Get hands‑on with the cloud accounting and automation tools we use day to day, and help us spot where new technology can save time or add value for clients.
- Bring fresh ideas; we want everyone on the team, apprentices included, contributing to how we stay ahead of the curve.
Training Outcome
This role is deliberately broad because we want to build you into a well‑rounded accountant. Over time, and as you progress, you'll take on increasing ownership, moving from assisting with accounts, bookkeeping, payroll and CIS/VAT work to eventually being trusted to look after and take full responsibility for those areas on your own client accounts.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Number skills
Qualifications
- Essential: GCSE - Maths and English - 4/C or above.
- Desired: AAT - Level 2 - Pass.
Course Information
- Course: Assistant accountant (level 3)
- Level: 3
- Route: Legal, finance and accounting
- Apprenticeship Level: Advanced
- Working Arrangements: Working Week: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with an additional day at college or for study. Start and finish times are flexible.
- Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months
- Training Provider: FIRST INTUITION EAST AND NORTH LIMITED
Accounts Assistant Apprentice in Chelmsford employer: Thomas Emlyn Ltd
At Thomas Emlyn Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work culture that fosters growth and development. As an apprentice, you will benefit from hands-on training in a diverse range of accounting practices, with clear pathways to advance your career and manage your own client portfolio. Located in the heart of the construction sector, our firm provides unique opportunities to engage with modern cloud accounting tools and gain invaluable experience in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant Apprentice in Chelmsford
✨Get Involved with Campus Recruitment Events
Apprenticeships in banking and financial services often come through campus recruitment days. Keep an eye out for events hosted by your university or local banks, as these can be golden opportunities for us to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a great first impression.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Banking. These memberships can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities, plus, they often have dedicated sections for apprenticeships and early-career roles that can point us in the right direction.
✨Follow the Right Companies on Social Media
Banks and financial services firms love to share their stories on social media! Follow companies like Thomas Emlyn Ltd to keep up with their latest apprenticeship opportunities and insider news. Engaging with their posts could give us an edge when it comes to the application.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
Your university's career service is a treasure trove of information for apprenticeships in banking. They often have connections to employers like Thomas Emlyn Ltd, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant Apprentice in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Maths Skills:In the banking and financial services sector, being good with numbers is a must! Make sure to highlight any relevant maths qualifications or experience in your application, as well as any projects or coursework that demonstrate your analytical skills.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an apprenticeship, companies like Thomas Emlyn Ltd want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, chat about why you’re interested in banking and any specific areas you’re excited to explore. Show them that you’re ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
Highlight Relevant Experience (Even If It's Limited):Whether it's a part-time job, volunteer experience, or even a school project, mention any relevant experience related to banking or finance. This could include customer service roles or any projects where you handled budgeting. We’re all about showing how you can apply your skills, even if they’re from unconventional backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of duties. Tailor it to reflect skills that appeal to financial services, like attention to detail and communication skills. Don’t forget to keep it clear and concise, showing how you’re a perfect fit for the apprenticeship at Thomas Emlyn Ltd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Emlyn Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Principles
Since you're diving into the banking and financial sector with an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with key concepts like interest rates, investment strategies, and basic financial accounting. Make sure you can share your understanding of these principles during the interview, as they'll likely pop up in practical scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In the world of banking, interviewers love to throw real-world scenarios at you. Prepare for questions that ask how you'd handle customer inquiries or solve financial challenges. Practising these types of situational responses can really showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities, both of which are essential in this field.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, what's going to set you apart is your motivation to learn and grow in the role. Be sure to express your excitement about entering the banking world and highlight any steps you've already taken to educate yourself, whether through courses, workshops, or relevant hobbies.
✨Prepare Your Questions About Company Culture
When interviewing with Thomas Emlyn Ltd, don’t shy away from asking about their company culture and training programmes for apprentices. This shows that you're not only focused on the role but also interested in how you'll fit within the team, which is a major factor for your future success in the apprenticeship.
