HURST TO WELCOME SCHOOL LEAVERS ON TO ITS
TRAINEE ACCOUNTANT PROGRAMME
Accounting and business advisory firm HURST is offering school leavers the chance
to join its trainee accountant scheme for the first time in its 40-year history.
HURST is opening the programme to applicants with three A-levels or equivalent.
The firm is also offering places to graduates with lower second-class honours
degrees for the first time. Until now, there has been a requirement for trainees to
have at least an upper second-class honours degree.
Another change sees HURST open its programme to those seeking qualifications
from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) rather than solely
from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
HURST partner and director of practice development Simon Brownbill said: “We
have seen placement and work experience students make a fantastic impression
with us over the years, demonstrating that there are quality people out there without
university degrees who would be great additions to our team.
“Our rapid growth means we need more applicants, and we also want to improve
diversity and reduce barriers to entry. As we look to build our business at an even
faster rate while continuing to develop our own talent, the time is right to offer
careers to school leavers.
“We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds, and will be using the same
recruitment process for school leavers as we have in place for graduates. The
standard to get a place at HURST will remain the same. The process is under way,
as we are seeking trainees for our 2022/23 intake.”
School leavers joining HURST will receive paid leave for study and examinations,
leading to the same qualifications they would get had they graduated from university.
Each newcomer will be assigned a mentor and will have a tailored career plan, which
will see them working with partners and managers on a range of assignments with
clients, and including possible secondments overseas,
Meanwhile, HURST has also launched a development programme for accountants
seeking to progress through the ranks all the way to manager and partner level.
Simon added: “Our retention levels have been phenomenal, and this has been down
to a focus on working with the very best clients, a supportive culture, and providing
career development. As the firm grows, we want to give more people these
opportunities.”
