Trainee Accountant

The Affinity Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 22,500 - 27,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Study support

Company pension scheme

Free financial advice

Dress down days

Engaging company events

Staff incentives

Discounted gym membership

Cycle to work scheme

On-site parking

Free lunch on Fridays

Free weekly breakfast

Job summary

The Affinity Group in Ferndown is seeking a qualified Accountant to join their team. This full-time role involves preparing VAT returns and ensuring compliance with accounting standards while delivering exceptional client service. The ideal candidate will be part or fully qualified (AAT, ACCA, or ACA) and have experience in the accounting industry. Benefits include 25 days of holiday, study support, and a company pension scheme. Interested candidates should send their CV to [e-mail].

Qualifications

• AAT, ACCA or ACA qualified (part or fully) and relevant practice experience.
• Detail-oriented and accurate with a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and submitting VAT returns, statutory accounts, and corporation tax returns.
• Reviewing client financial records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Delivering excellent client service by responding to client needs and queries.
• Communicating with clients and colleagues to ensure smooth coordination.
• Managing internal and external email queries in a timely manner.
• Maintaining internal control records and processes.
• Acting as an ambassador for the company values.
• Working towards defined performance targets and KPIs.

Skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

Accounting experience (minimum of one year)

Experience with accounting software

Education

AAT, ACCA, or ACA qualification (part or fully)

Job description

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: [e-mail]