White Hart is an established firm of Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors based in Richmond, Surrey. We act for a varied and loyal client base and have built our reputation on technical excellence, a pragmatic approach and a consistently high standard of client service.
Our Audit & Assurance team works closely with clients across a broad range of sectors and sizes. We are a close-knit firm where every member of the team has direct access to Partners and is given real responsibility early in their career.
We are seeking an Audit Associate to join our growing Audit & Assurance team. This is an entry-level position designed for an ambitious individual at the start of their professional accountancy career who wishes to develop strong technical skills in a supportive, hands‑on environment.
From the outset you will work directly alongside our Audit Seniors and Managers on live engagements, gaining broad exposure across our client portfolio. The role is supported by a fully funded ACA or ACCA training contract, structured on‑the‑job training and a clear progression pathway through to Audit Senior and beyond.
Key responsibilities include:
Audit fieldwork
- Support the delivery of statutory audit engagements across a range of client sectors and sizes, from planning through to completion.
- Prepare allocated sections of the audit file accurately, on time and to the firm's required standard.
- Perform substantive and controls testing under the direction of the Audit Senior.
- Obtain and document sufficient, appropriate audit evidence in accordance with ISAs (UK) and the firm's audit methodology.
- Raise queries with clients in a clear, professional and timely manner, escalating matters to the Audit Senior where appropriate.
- Develop a working knowledge of UK GAAP (FRS 102 and FRS 105) and its application to client financial statements.
- Build proficiency in the firm's audit software (CaseWare) and internal working‑paper templates.
- Engage fully with your professional qualification, applying study learning to practical client work.
- Take ownership of your own development by actively seeking, reflecting on and acting upon feedback.
Client and team engagement
- Liaise professionally with client personnel when requesting information or clarifying queries.
- Work collaboratively with the wider audit team, contributing to a positive and productive environment on every engagement.
- Represent White Hart to a consistently high professional standard, both in the office and at client premises.
Engagement administration
- Maintain working papers that are well organised, clearly referenced and kept up to date throughout the engagement.
- Communicate progress regularly and flag any issues, risks or delays to the Audit Senior at the earliest opportunity.
- Assist with ad hoc tasks within the audit department as required.
Qualifications and experience
- A degree (2:1 or above preferred) or an equivalent qualification; all disciplines are considered.
- No prior audit or accountancy experience is required. Experience in a finance, professional services or client‑facing environment is advantageous.
- A clear commitment to studying towards the ACA or ACCA qualification and to entering into a training contract with the firm.
- The right to work in the UK, which will be verified prior to appointment.
Technical skills
- Strong numeracy and a high level of attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately under pressure.
- A competent user of Microsoft Office, in particular Excel and Word.
- Familiarity with core accounting concepts, through study or prior experience, is desirable but not essential.
Personal attributes
- A genuine interest in building a long‑term career in audit and accountancy, with the drive to learn and progress.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and a professional, personable manner.
- Well organised, with the ability to manage competing tasks and deadlines with guidance from senior colleagues.
- A dependable team player who takes pride in producing accurate, high‑quality work.
- Receptive to feedback and proactive in seeking opportunities to improve.
- Comfortable working at client premises as well as in the office.
The role is based at our offices in Richmond, TW9, and is office‑based; you will be expected to attend the Richmond office when not working at client premises. Our standard working hours are 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and flexible working arrangements will be considered.
What we offer
- A competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- A fully funded professional qualification (ACA or ACCA), including tuition, study materials and examination fees.
- A generous study‑leave allowance aligned to the examination timetable.
- A performance‑related bonus and award scheme.
- Structured on‑the‑job training and mentoring from experienced Seniors and Managers.
- A clear progression pathway from Associate through to Senior and beyond.
- Exposure to a broad and varied client portfolio from the outset.
- A friendly, collaborative working environment with open‑door access to Partners.
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