VACANCY DETAILS
Accounts Trainee
Location: Chichester, West Sussex, with occasional travel to our Midhurst and Whiteley offices
Salary: £25,000–£30,000
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm, with flexible start and finish times
TO APPLY: Please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected]
-------
Launch Your Accountancy Career With a Firm That Invests in Your Future
Are you looking to develop your accountancy career in a firm where you will be supported, challenged and given the opportunity to gain a recognised professional qualification?
Do you have bookkeeping experience within an accountancy practice and the ambition to progress towards an AAT, ACA or ACCA qualification?
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Accounts Trainee to join our Business Services Group in Chichester.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain broad, hands-on experience while working with a diverse client base, from growing owner-managed businesses to groups with assets exceeding £50 million. With professional study support, practical in-house training and guidance from experienced colleagues, you will build the technical and professional skills needed for a successful long-term career in accountancy.
At Lewis Brownlee, we are proud to be trusted Chartered Accountants, Business Advisers, Registered Auditors and Tax Advisers, with more than 30 years of experience supporting ambitious businesses across the South East.
-------
What You’ll Be Doing
As an Accounts Trainee, you will be an integral member of the Business Services Group, supporting Client Relationship Managers, Managers and colleagues across the firm in delivering high-quality services to our clients.
With full training and support, your responsibilities will include:
- Completing regular bookkeeping for a varied portfolio of clients
- Preparing quarterly VAT returns
- Carrying out bank and control account reconciliations
- Supporting the preparation of accounts for limited companies, partnerships and sole traders
- Assisting with the preparation of tax returns and other compliance work
- Using cloud accounting software, including Xero
- Completing ad-hoc administrative tasks as required
- Helping to ensure client work is completed accurately and within agreed timescales
- Building strong professional relationships with clients and colleagues
- Taking on greater responsibility as your knowledge and experience develop
Throughout your training, you will gain valuable experience across bookkeeping, VAT, accounts preparation and tax while developing a strong understanding of the commercial context behind the numbers.
-------
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a motivated and proactive individual who is keen to learn, enjoys taking on new challenges and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.
You will have:
- Bookkeeping experience gained within an accountancy practice
- A good understanding of double-entry bookkeeping, VAT returns and reconciliations
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
- Good IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- A positive, proactive and problem-solving mindset
- A strong academic record
- The ambition to gain an AAT, ACA or ACCA qualification
- Experience using cloud accounting software, such as Xero, would be a distinct advantage.
You will also share our core values:
Quality Service – You take pride in producing accurate, well-presented work and seeing tasks through to completion.
Enthusiasm – You are motivated, ambitious and eager to learn, bringing energy and a proactive attitude to your role.
Smart Working – You think analytically, manage your time effectively and understand the commercial context behind your work.
Teamwork – You collaborate effectively, communicate clearly and contribute positively to a caring and supportive working environment.
-------
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to build your career within an inclusive and forward-thinking firm that takes professional development seriously.
You’ll benefit from:
- Study support towards a recognised professional accountancy qualification
- Hands-on training and ongoing career development
- A salary of £25,000 - £30,000
- A remuneration progression pathway benchmarked annually against industry standards
- Professional subscriptions included
- 28 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays
- An additional day off for your birthday
- Flexible start and finish times
- The option to purchase additional annual leave
- Salary sacrifice schemes for private healthcare and additional pension contributions
- Access to an employee wellbeing programme
- Regular staff social events
- Exposure to a varied and meaningful client base
- Quarterly team meetings where you can provide feedback, share ideas and help shape best working practices
- A supportive and collaborative culture where your contribution matters
At Lewis Brownlee, we believe that when our employees succeed, we all succeed.
-------
Your Future Starts Here
If you are passionate about accountancy, motivated to learn and ready to take the next step in your professional development, we would love to hear from you.
Join Lewis Brownlee and build your career with a firm where you will receive the training, experience and support you need to thrive.
Please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected]
Visit our Careers page to learn more about working for Lewis Brownlee:
https://www.lewisbrownlee.co.uk/careers/
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chichester PO20 7EQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
