Work Experience turns into Full-time Trainee Accountant Position with Ashmole & Co

Two weeks of work experience has turned into a full-time Trainee Accountant’s position with largest accountancy firm in south Wales – Ashmole & Co.

Dafydd Saunders, from Capel Hendre, has recently started working full-time at Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office as part of the firm’s Apprenticeship Scheme, following the successful completion of two weeks work experience in July.

Dafydd graduated from Swansea University in the summer with a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting. During his studies he decided not to seek employment so he could focus on getting good grades. Once he finished University, he was successful in his application to his local Ashmole & Co office in Ammanford for work experience.

As a Trainee Accountant Dafydd helps prepare VAT returns and assists with the preparation of accounts working with Quickbooks, Xero and Sage he also helps with queries from clients.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office said, “Our Apprenticeship Scheme is giving Dafydd the practical skills and qualifications to eventually become a fully qualified accountant. He is being given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of client work and specialisms. I started with Ashmole & Co after I qualified from Cardiff University and I gained my ACCA qualifications through the firm and then worked hard to become a Partner. The Partners strongly believe it is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants.”

For the Trainee Accountant position Dafydd feels candidates need a variety of skills including clear communications when talking to clients and working with senior members of staff. Time management is essential as being efficient is very important. Numerical skills are vital to ensure accuracy and problem-solving skills to think outside the box.

Dafydd said, “I’m very grateful to Ashmole & Co for giving me this opportunity and giving me positive feedback on my work as it makes me feel appreciated. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help clients, whether that be financially through accounting work or through answering their queries.”

During his spare time Dafydd is studying for his ACCA exams to become a fully qualified accountant. He enjoys going to the gym regularly and meeting up with friends. He is a Swansea City fan and goes to watch most of the football club’s home games.

With the majority of the Partners at Ashmole & Co having done their training with the firm they are keen to continue with the Apprenticeship Scheme again in 2024.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career path in accountancy would also be encouraged to apply.

Successful Apprenticeship candidates are offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They are given a permanent contract and are expected to work full time. For full details and the trainee accountant job description please visit the vacancies section of the website: Job Vacancies (ashmole.co.uk)