Find out about our approach to training:

Keith's Message meet our trainees faqs

Keith Boothroyd, HR manager

Keith explains our approach to training contracts at Cassons.

We have two entry levels for people joining Cassons on a general training contract. The first is when the trainee will study for the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) exam and we discuss, usually in advance, whether we expect them to progress to training for the ICAEW qualification (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).

The second is as a graduate when the trainee will start on the ICAEW training to become a chartered accountant.

We also have training contracts for staff who are specialising in tax. They will start with the Association of Taxation Technicians then may progress to study for the Chartered Tax Adviser qualification.

At Cassons we fully appreciate the commitment that is made by our trainees. We support them as much as possible with paid study leave and of course we pay tuition fees as well. We also help with on the job training and as much additional support as trainees require. We understand - and make sure that they understand – the amount of additional studying that is required, especially for the ICAEW exams.

All of our trainees are trained on the job and we are very proud of the fact that they can usually prepare a full set of accounts for a client within a short time of starting their training.

I arrange the external training for our trainees and ensure that everything is set up for them. The AAT trainees operate on a day release basis, the day varies each week, and the ICAEW is a block release programme.

It is important that we have the right people for the training contract! We want you to fit in and be happy with us so as well as an interview procedure we’d also expect you to undertake some psychometric tests. I’m sure you’ll find it useful to read about some of our current trainees and their experiences.

If you'd like to apply for a  training position please send me a completed application form

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meet our trainees

Laura

I came to Cassons as a graduate entry trainee, joining when I was 21. I had been to the University of Manchester and I have a 2:1 degree in Economics and Business Studies. I’m currently in the 3rd year of my training contract and I hope that I will be a fully qualified chartered accountant by summer 2009.

The external training has been very intensive as there have been 3 weeks of tuition followed by 2 weeks of study leave then exams! Outside of that I have had to put in a lot of studying time, usually at least one day each weekend.

On top of that there is the “on the job” training which of course takes place every day. The jobs for trainees are planned to ensure that all of the trainees have experience in all aspects of audit and accounts preparation. The manager or senior gives a full briefing on a job, then it’s down to you! I’m now at the stage where I take the job through from start to finish for limited companies. If I notice anything that is slightly different from usual I will mark it on the completion notes for the manager or partner to look at and possibly bring to the client’s attention. When I’ve completed the accounts element the manager checks it before it is sent to the tax departments for a tax review.

The people at Cassons make it a fantastic place to work, no doubt about that. We all work hard and enjoy our jobs but it feels like a family here. We all have fun at work and we give each other so much support. I’ve made some great friends here. The partners are great. They are very friendly and easy to talk to. Everyone has been so very supportive during my training.

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Chris

I came to Cassons in September 2007 when I was 18, having been at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 6th Form. I’ve always been interested in numbers – and good at maths. I’ve always had in mind that I would like to be an accountant. One of my friend’s dads is an accountant and I wanted to have his lifestyle! Then at 6th form college my business studies teacher was really enthusiastic and he made it all make sense.

At the moment I am working towards my AAT qualification then hopefully will go on to become a chartered accountant. I go to college in Manchester one day per week. It isn’t a set day each week and the day varies according to the college timetable. Hopefully I’ll be AAT qualified this year and then I’ll start on my chartered accountant qualifications in September.

Of course I am learning a vast amount through my “on the job” training. I am currently working on the accounts preparation for small businesses. Plus I go out on audit as the junior member of the team. It is all very carefully planned so that I carry out more work and gain more experience on each audit assignment. I’ve had a huge amount of help from my colleagues in the Small Business Unit. When I first came I didn’t know anything at all and of course the external training is only one day a week so the internal training and support has been invaluable.

I love the friendly atmosphere here. It is not a chore to come to work and I’m very happy to come in every day. The facilities here are great. We have a recreation room for lunchtime and we always enjoy a game of table football. The support for the trainees from HR has been excellent. Everything has been set up brilliantly with the college so that all I have to do is turn up!

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Janet

I am now 22 and I came to Cassons on a training contract when I was 21, immediately after graduating from the University of Leeds with a 2:1 degree in Accounting and Finance.

I first came to Cassons on a year’s work experience from university. Taking the year out was optional but I thought it might help my long term studies. And I was right! Having the year’s experience actually working on tax and accounts made a huge difference to my studies. When I returned to university I had a much better concept of how everything fitted in. I applied to Cassons for a training contract straight after my year’s experience and I was delighted when they accepted me. My family lives in Accrington so it has meant that I can stay near to home which is even better.

I am in the first year of my ACA training and I hope to be a chartered accountant within 3 years. I go to college on block release but the exam process is slightly different to Laura who is two years ahead of me. I am tested by e-assessment and receive the results the following days. If I need to I can resit the next day! Keith has organised everything to do with my training so I have not had to worry about anything.

I love working at Cassons! At the moment I am working on small accounts and audit and I really enjoy the challenge of the numbers! The people are brilliant too. We all get along very well so there can be a bit of fun during the day then we sometimes plan to meet up on a Friday evening or at the weekend.

Someone has the idea and a note goes onto our intranet to see who is interested for a night out usually in Burnley or Manchester! It generally involves meeting up for a few drinks then we’ll often go on for a meal and a club afterwards. In fact at the end of the summer about 10 of us went to Blackpool for the weekend!

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Nick

I came to Cassons when I was 18 straight after my A levels. I am now 22 and have my ATT qualification. I did think about going to university straight after A levels (in fact I was offered a place at Manchester) but I simply wanted to start work in accountancy. I took a job at Cassons as a tax junior then after a year I started to study for my ATT. I’m very glad that I decided not to take up my place at university as I have much preferred the combination of working and studying.

The ATT involved taking a two day course every two months plus revision courses before exams and of course a lot of home study between times. All of it has been organised by Cassons which has left me able to concentrate on studying or working. I qualified as an ATT in January 2008. 

In terms of my actual job I am based in Cassons tax department where I look after the tax returns and general tax compliance for people and partnerships.  I love the fact that we can have the direct contact with clients we look after. I complete the tax returns for the same clients each year, so I know who is likely to be a little bit late and who will need a few reminders! I’ll also call them if I need to check anything – and of course they call me if they have any queries. I enjoy that level of responsibility.

Cassons is a good place to work. We all get on with our work – and we do work hard – but we all get on with each other and that makes a big difference. I sometimes go out on a night out in Burnley and we often play 5 a side football after work.

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Richard

I came to Cassons when I was 24 and I am now 26. I became ATT qualified in Dec 07 and I am about to start my CTA training to become a chartered tax adviser. I come from Nottingham but moved to Manchester when I came to university and studied for a degree in Finance and Economics. Straight after university I worked at HM Revenue and Customs for a year in the self assessment department. I then went to Sage for a year, working in support for tax software. Then I joined Cassons.

I started my ATT training in May and by the following December I had passed everything. It was probably easier for me because of my previous experience.  

I work in Cassons' tax department and deal with personal tax matters on a daily basis. I look after the clients who have more complex affairs: numerous investments, involvement in different companies etc. It is all very meaty. If there are any queries I know who to call and can just get on with it myself. For some clients, where we just look after the tax returns, I may only have contact with them once a year. But for others we work with them on tax planning throughout the year. Some of the work is quite straight forward, sometimes it is more challenging. I deal with clients on the phone, I investigate technical points and then I communicate points directly back to the client by letter. Indeed letter writing which explains all of the points very concisely to clients is a skill I’ve had to work at.

The people here are good. I like to go on the evenings out and of course enjoy the 5 a side football. The partners are great and there is very much an open door policy so you can talk to them at any time. And they let you have some rope so that you learn a lot. Other firms may be much stricter, but much less challenging.

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FAQs

Do I need a degree to become an accountant?
No. We encourage a wide range of applicants and we will tailor your professional training accordingly. We tend to take trainees straight from school with A levels or from university when your degree has been completed.

Do you specify a degree discipline or grade?
We’re looking for a strong academic background rather than a specific degree subject, although you will need to be highly numerate and keen to work in a business environment. However we are particularly interested in applicants who have studied accounting/finance as a significant element of their degree. It’s important that you can demonstrate the ability to study, as the route to professional qualification will involve significant commitment. Although we don’t specify a degree subject, we would prefer a grade of 2:1 or above. 

Where can I find more information with regard to professional qualifications?
You can find all you need to know about training qualifications at www.icaew.com, www.att.org.uk and www.aat.co.uk.

How do I apply?
By completing an application form which you can download by clicking here, printing it off, completing it and posting it back to our HR Manager, Keith Boothroyd.
Then, assuming that we have a vacancy and that you meet our criteria, we will invite you to attend an initial interview. We may carry out some practical, work-based tests depending upon the nature of the position you’re applying for and there will be a final interview with at least one of our partners.

Will Cassons support my training?
Yes, we actively encourage all our staff to continue their training and will provide you with on the job training, tailored courses and a study package to support your professional studies (in the shape of course funding and study leave). We will also assign a mentor to help guide and support you all the way.

We are a recognised Investors in People employer and your personal and professional development are important to us.

We help you broaden your technical knowledge and ensure you have the relevant IT skills to meet the current and future needs of the business.

What are the opportunities for promotion?
Excellent - many of our partners started with Cassons as trainees. We believe in promotion from within wherever possible and advertise all vacancies internally. Cassons operates as a meritocracy and the opportunities are there for the taking.

How will I know how I’m doing?
All new starters are given a review after 3 months in order to agree a training plan and objectives for the future. You will also have a performance and development review on an annual basis to review your work, plan for the future and a training strategy to get you there. We try to give informal feedback on a regular basis and your mentor will be available to give you all the guidance and support you need.

What kind of social activities do you have?
When work is over, we have a range of social events: football, golf, quiz nights and tenpin bowling to name a few. We want you to enjoy working as part of our team and we host a variety of events throughout the year including a summer event and a Christmas party.

Is Cassons a good company to work for?
We think so! Our salary structures are competitive and reviewed on a regular basis and our benefits package includes private health care and pension after a qualifying period. We also recognise the need for a healthy balance between work and family life and we operate a flexible working scheme.

What about the facilities in the office?
You’ll find them second to none! Trainees spend most of their time at our Lancashire office which is a new, open plan building. We have a large and fully equipped kitchen together with a substantial recreation room with TV and table football. At the back of the Lancashire office we have a large decked area which is an ideal location for lunch in the summer. It overlooks a smallholding so hens and ducks are regular visitors! If you choose to cycle to work we have facilities for keeping your bike safe at the office, and shower rooms and lockers so you can easily get ready for work. We also have car parking spaces for all staff at our Lancashire office.

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