48 graduates and school leavers set to become trainees at PKF Francis Clark

Tax and accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark has announced that 48 graduates and school leavers are set to become trainees at the firm – their biggest ever intake of new trainees. The new trainees are spread across its offices in Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Bristol, Truro, Salisbury, Taunton and Torquay.

Managing Partner Andrew Richards welcomed around 40 of the latest recruits at an induction day held at Sandy Park in Exeter. He said: “It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic new trainees come together from across the region, especially as we’ve been deprived of so much face-to-face interaction over the past 18 months.

“As part of their thorough grounding in accountancy, tax and audit, our trainees have a chance to gain experience within teams specialising in a wide range of sectors and services – from agriculture to manufacturing and business recovery to VAT and customs – so they can choose the career path that’s right for them.

“Several of our current partners joined the firm as trainees, so I’m looking forward to seeing our newest team members progress in their careers over the coming years.

“Alongside attracting experienced professionals, developing the next generation of accounting, business and tax advisers has always been hugely important in ensuring we have the skills we need to serve our diverse and growing client base. I’m particularly pleased that we’ve been able to offer 48 of our region’s young people the opportunity to embark on a rewarding career this year, when the pandemic has impacted on the life chances of so many.”

PKF Francis Clark offers two main entry routes for accountancy trainees, with apprentices usually starting in January and September.

Aimed at school leavers, the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) apprenticeship combines learning on the job with attending college one day a week, leading to a level 3 or 4 qualification.

Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) trainees are graduates who work towards a level 7 qualification and become chartered accountants, combining on-the-job learning with tuition at Reed Business School.

The firm also offers specialist tax apprenticeship routes for aspiring chartered tax advisers.