Accountancy group champions trainee programme with seven new recruits

Leading SME specialist, Champion Accountants, has expanded its team by welcoming seven new recruits onto its group-wide accountancy trainee programme.

The accountancy group, which has offices in Manchester, Preston, Blackpool and Chester, offers young people the opportunity to earn a competitive salary, while gaining professional qualifications and developing their industry knowledge through hands-on client experience.

Among those starting their accountancy careers within Champion Accountants’ 2019 trainee cohort are Niamh Bonnett and Madison Wyles, both 18, who join the Blackpool office as audit and account trainees. 

Niamh said: “I knew I didn’t want to take the university route, so the trainee programme was a fantastic opportunity to gain qualifications and earn a good salary. I’m looking forward to linking my work with what I’m learning in AAT.”

Madison, from Blackpool, applied for the programme after Champion Accountants visited her sixth form. She added: “I’ve wanted to go into accountancy for a while and this sounded like a great company and the best way for me to become qualified. I’m looking forward to working with my own clients.”

Max Kilshaw, 18, from Blackburn, joins Champion Accountants’ Preston practice. He comments: “Right from the application process, my experience with Champion has been positive. They really care about the team, and how they develop trainees is clear. My colleagues are all so supportive and understand that I’m still learning the ropes.” 

The accountancy group’s Manchester head office gained three new trainees: Harry Royle, 18, from Astley, Harry Sheridan, 19, from Eccles and Ben Turner, 23, from Chadderton.

As accounts trainees, both Harry Royle and Harry Sheridan will be assisting with the preparation of accounts for contractors and limited companies. 

Having already gained a BSc Hons in Accounting and Finance, graduate Ben Turner has progressed straight to working towards his ACCA qualification and becoming a fully qualified accountant.

Finally, the firm’s Chester office welcomes Luke Evans to the team. Luke, 18, from Wrexham, will begin his journey as an audit and accounts trainee, working alongside senior colleagues to support the practice’s client portfolio.

Champion Accountants partners with professional body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), to ensure it maintains the highest standard of staff training and development, having recently retained its ACCA Platinum Approved Employer status.

Ged Cosgrove, group managing partner at Champion Accountants, added: “It’s great to see so many enthusiastic new faces join our team. A major part of the Champion culture is to grow our own talent, so from day one, our trainees are given the opportunity to work with clients and build those important professional relationships.

“We ensure our trainee programme is as accessible and inclusive as possible in order to provide a fantastic pathway for aspiring new accountants to earn while they learn, whilst working in a multi-disciplinary accountancy group. 

“We really pride ourselves on providing the best possible support and career development to our trainees right across the group in helping them to become trusted advisors and I look forward to seeing each of them progress.”