About Critchleys
Founded in 1906, Critchleys is Oxford’s leading firm of accountants and business advisers, with a professional and friendly culture. We are forward thinking and provide a full range of Accountancy services to our substantial, growing and diverse client base.
We have a skilled team of people at all levels in whom we place great value, and are strong investors in our people. The firm has a reputation for technical excellence, training and delivering a responsive service to our clients which we strive to continue through our future appointments.
Based in the heart of the city centre, our offices are close to train and bus links and offers our staff a fresh, modern and inspiring environment to work in.
The role
Working in the Audit team you will be responsible for carrying our audit and assurance work for the Firm. You will be responsible for and assist in audit fieldwork providing you with regular client contact.
You will gain experience of a wide variety of interesting clients, including charities and academies.
You will have development from direct interaction with Audit seniors, managers, partners and other teams, as well as being supported throughout becoming fully ACA (ICAEW Chartered Accountant) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified which we intend to be undertaken via our Level 7 apprenticeship study pathway.
The person
You will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and should be able to demonstrate a professional approach to your work and clients. You will be motivated by always providing exemplary client service.
You will have a high attention to detail and understand and be able to follow processes, procedures and methodologies. You should also be able to adapt to changing priorities and have a flexible approach to problem solving and new ways of working.
You will have the confidence to work on your own initiative, but also be able to recognise when you need assistance.
Teamwork, good time management skills, the ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines in a steady, thorough and methodical manner, and to see a job through to its conclusion, will be needed for this busy role.
You will be committed to developing personally, both in terms of your technical knowledge and in acquiring a professional qualification. You will be able to use Microsoft products confidently.
Essential requirements
We welcome applications to our trainee positions from both school leavers and graduates. School leavers will be educated to a good standard of ‘A’ level, or equivalent, education. All degrees will be considered. No prior accounting or audit knowledge or experience is necessary.
Successful applicants to our trainee roles must either have the existing right to work in the UK or be eligible to apply for a visa granting permission to work in the UK that does not require sponsorship from Critchleys. All offers of employment are conditional on receiving evidence of this.
Please note, in order to receive an offer of employment any visa status held must be valid for the entire duration of the student’s apprenticeship in accordance with current apprenticeship funding rules.
You will also need to live within a commutable distance of Oxford.
Our benefits
Our trainee positions are offered on a full-time basis, working 37.5 hours during Monday to Friday. When not out and about at clients our trainees are based in our Oxford city centre office during their initial probationary period, after which some home working may be agreed.
You can view our full benefit offering here.
Start dates and application deadline
This opportunity has various start dates available so you can join us at a time that's right for you:
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a regular basis. Those shortlisted will be invited to the next available Trainee assessment centre day therefore early applications are encouraged.
Dates for your diary:
Application deadline: Thursday 16 May 2024
Our next trainee assessment centre days are being held on 26 and 27 June 2024.
The recruitment process
Following successful review of your application, our recruitment process will include:
- A short telephone screening interview
- Attendance at our office-based assessment day
- In-person interview and technical testing
Our assessment day will involve your participation in a selection of activities, both as a group and as an individual. They are also an opportunity for you to find out a little more about Critchleys and meet some of our partners and managers.
If you are invited to attend an assessment day we will send you more information about what to expect beforehand so that you can be fully prepared on the day.
To apply
To be considered for this role, please apply by uploading your CV and cover letter.
Your cover letter should include:
- Why you want to work at Critchleys
- What interests you in being an Audit Assistant at Critchleys
- If you are considering a relocation to Oxfordshire we would like to know what attracts you to the area