Training with Francis Clark
Graduate ACA Training Contracts
As the largest independent firm of chartered accountants south west of Bristol, Francis Clark has a wide range of clients, including many leading owner-managed businesses, high net worth individuals, professional firms and charities. Together with our specialist sector groups of healthcare, leisure and tourism, professional practices, charities, rural businesses, landed estates and property, we are well placed to offer our trainees varied, but structured and challenging work experience, throughout their training contract. We are therefore looking for trainees who will enter the commercial world with energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to take early responsibility.
As you’d expect, we are an ICAEW ‘Authorised Training Employer’. Our technical training is predominantly residential and takes place at the prestigious Reed Business School situated in the Cotswolds.
This is supplemented by our in-house professional skills programme (‘Steps’), which has recently been accredited by the ICAEW as meeting institute requirements for Individual Professional Development.
UCAS points or degree subject / grade are not critical, but all candidates must be able to demonstrate a high level of numeracy and inter-personal skills, along with business acumen and sound motives for choosing a career in accountancy. Some connection with the South West is also preferred.
Applications are by email only and should clearly state 'Graduate ACA Trainee' in the subject field. Please attach your CV and covering letter outlining why you wish to train with Francis Clark when emailing our Human Resources department. In addition, it would be helpful to know your preferred office location (if any) and availability for interview. Please note, we only recruit trainees for the ACA qualification and all positions are with Francis Clark Chartered Accountants – not other companies within the group.
Although we don’t specify a closing date, early applications preferred, with first stage interviews being held in November and December, for contracts starting the following autumn. We offer a competitive salary, with benefits including fully funded training (with no claw-back), permanent employment contract; six-monthly salary reviews, 20 days annual leave, rising to 25 on qualification, pension, plus non-contributory life assurance and income protection.
What do our trainees say about us?
Richard Drewitt, a first year Chartered Student at our Salisbury office, says:
"I first became aware of Francis Clark when browsing a 'graduate vacancies' website supplied to me at University, and I joined the Salisbury office in July 2008. In the short time I have been with the firm, I have received good support and feedback from partners and managers. Everyone is approachable and I feel privileged to be part of a successful team.
The ICAEW accredited personal development programme has been particularly beneficial for me in all areas, having helped me to build up my confidence, and has also been an excellent way of learning to communicate with others. The programme tackles areas that are not covered on a day-to-day basis within the office, i.e. business writing."
Sarah Meadows, a second year Chartered Student at our Taunton office, says:
"I wanted to move back to the West Country on graduating. I felt that Francis Clark would be the ideal firm with which to embark on a career in accountancy, and I was delighted when I was offered a trainee position with the firm. I was made welcome from day one, which helped me to settle in quickly and, over a period of time, I have been given more responsibility and a good mix of work.
Reed Business School is situated in an idyllic location in the picturesque Cotswolds, with no distractions, which makes it an ideal place for studying and sitting exams. The tutors are very helpful, supportive and approachable, and can be contacted at any time with queries."
Jemma Crane, a newly qualified ACA based at our Exeter office, who was recently awarded a prize for top marks in the South West region for the Business Reporting, Environment, Life-Cyle and Change papers, says:
"Having spent time on work experience with one of the Big 4 and with Francis Clark, I felt Francis Clark could offer me a healthier work/life balance. I would be part of a smaller team undertaking a wide variety of work, with the level of responsibility rapidly increasing. Office morale and friendliness was also an important factor, and I have received a huge level of support from seniors and managers since I joined the firm.
I am very proud to work for Francis Clark, and see my career developing with the firm. I am looking forward to the new challenges facing me in my new role within the Private Client Tax Department. I also took over as Chair of our staff forum last year, and help to organise social events and young professional events."
Hannah Walton (industrial placement), an Accounting and Finance degree student from Bournemouth University who has completed a fifteen month placement at the Salisbury office, says:
I originally worked at Francis Clark during the summer of 2007 for the six week holiday period. I contacted Nick Gooch after seeing the article regarding the acquisition of Martin & Co in the Salisbury Journal. In this short time I had ‘fitted in’ enough to secure myself a placement, which I understand is the first of its kind at Francis Clark. During my placement, I have met and worked with a variety of colleagues, clients and also people from other Francis Clark offices. I have gained extensive experience working in all departments, namely tax, accounts and audit.
I have been fortunate to attend company training courses to develop my skills, learn new things, meet new people and network on many levels. The whole experience has been invaluable.
The placement has enabled me to see ‘first hand’ what I intend to do once I have graduated and qualified, and I would have no hesitation in returning to Francis Clark in a permanent role should the opportunity arise.
