Graduate Trainee Accountant

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious graduate to join our finance team as a Graduate Trainee Accountant. This is an excellent opportunity to launch your career in accountancy with a structured training programme that will provide you with both practical experience and professional qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:
Finance Operations

• Support the day-to-day finance operations including purchase ledger, sales ledger, and credit control
• Assist with month-end processes and reconciliations
• Process invoices, expenses, and payments in accordance with company procedures
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation
• Support the preparation of VAT returns and other statutory submissions

Reporting and Insight

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts
• Support budget preparation and forecasting activities
• Conduct financial analysis to support business decision-making
• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders
• Identify trends and provide insights to improve financial performance
• Contribute to the development of financial models and reporting tools

Training and Development

• Full study support to gain a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Study leave and exam fees covered
• Structured training programme with rotation through finance operations and reporting functions
• Mentorship from qualified accountants
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Requirements
Essential

• A 2:1 degree or above in any discipline (Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business-related subjects preferred)
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn accounting software
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Desirable

• Previous internship or work experience in a finance environment
• Understanding of accounting principles
• Problem-solving mindset

*The Company*
Potter Clarkson LLP is one of the leading pan-European Intellectual Property law firms, with seven offices across the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

We offer clients a full IP service to support them in achieving their commercial objectives. We pride ourselves in the exceptional level of client care offered by our approachable and engaged team.

The firm is consistently ranked in the top tier of major legal guides, such as Legal 500 and MIP. We also hold three independent ISO accreditations which evidence our high level of environmental awareness, service provision and information security.

We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, and supporting the wellbeing of all our people. We offer a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits and resources including healthcare, attractive flexible working options, sports and social groups, virtual yoga and mindfulness sessions, a virtual wellbeing hub, mental health first aiders, and a busy social calendar.

Benefits

• We offer a flexible working policy, with employees expected to be in the office two - three days per week. Initially, the successful candidate will need to work in the office full-time to facilitate their training and integration into the company.
• Competitive graduate salary.
• Birthday leave.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• One paid day off per year for charitable work.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Electric car scheme.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Health care packages.
• Discount vouchers.
• Cycle to work.
• Company aways days.

We are committed to providing a highly supportive, inclusive and stimulating workplace for all our people. Read more about how we're building a more equal, diverse and inclusive culture here