Apprentice Accounts Assistant

**Location**: Ashbourne
**Contract**: Full Time, permanent.
**Salary**: Apprenticeship rate

Are you looking for an employer that will invest in you and reward hard work?

Are you looking for a role that will pave the way to an exciting and fulfilling career in accountancy alongside a multi-award winning, top 11 firm across the Midlands? If so, read on and you could be joining our highly regarded, well-renowned Accounts Department in the historic market town of Ashbourne. The space is fresh, modern, and easily accessible for staff and to our clients.

The position we have on offer for you is an Apprentice Accounts Assistant. This is the perfect role for those wanting to pursue the apprenticeship route, and kickstart their career in accountancy.

The role will involve a comprehensive training programme, initially undertaking AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting, with opportunities to progress onto the ACA / ACCA (Level 7) qualification.

**The important work you will be doing**:

- Assisting the accounts team with preparation of statutory accounts for sole traders, partnerships, and companies.
- Assisting in the completion of bookkeeping with a view to producing regular management accounts for clients.
- Assisting with the preparation of VAT returns and payrolls to ensure that timetables are met.
- Assisting other members of the accounts team with administration tasks as required.
- Maintaining good relationships with clients.

The list of duties above is not intended to be exhaustive but gives a general indication of the tasks involved for this position. It is the nature of the Firm that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied, so our apprentices need to be able to adapt and up for the challenge

**The skills and experience you will bring**:
You will be a driven individual who is motivated to succeed, ensure client satisfaction, is passionate and takes ownership of their future career path. You will be extremely personable as you will be joining a supportive, friendly, out-going team.
- A basic level of IT competency using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook preferred.
- An interest in accounting and have a good grasp of numbers.
- Be methodical and have attention to detail.
- Be positive, friendly, and flexible in your approach.
- Work well in a team environment.
- Have a strong work ethic.
- Be eligible for the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
- Maths A-Level preferred but not essential.

**Why PKF Smith Cooper?**
- Our company culture, built on our values - Engage, Empower and Excel - encourages initiative, personal growth, and collaboration. Every team member is appreciated and celebrated; a notion embodied in our Kudos Reward Scheme.
- The firm’s Partners, who remain actively invested in the development of employees, will both support and champion your professional development and progression.
- We work with ambitious businesses of different sizes across a variety of sectors, so no two jobs are the same.
- We are multi-award-winning accountants and business advisors, ranked the 11th biggest firm by UK fee income in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50.
- From summer parties and sports teams to after work socials and our new book club, an apprenticeship role at PKF Smith Cooper is more than just a job - you become part of our community.

**PKF International**
As a member of PKF International, we are part of a prestigious global network of legally independent accounting firms. Located in the five fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions.

Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to develop our specialist skills and services to better serve our clients.

**What's in it for you?**
Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values.

As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:

- A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme.
- Time to do what matters to you - 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long-serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories.
- Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme.
- Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm.
- Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too.
- Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, a