HWB Graduate and Trainee Scheme

We are a professional friendly firm full of highly skilled individuals that contribute directly to our ongoing success.  Just over 70 employees allow us to retain a small firm feel but provide big career potential.  You’ll never be “just a number” — your voice, ideas, and achievements will be celebrated and recognised.

We offer a great working environment and the opportunity to develop your skills and progress your career to fulfil your potential. You’ll join a supportive, values-driven culture where prioritising wellbeing, flexibility, and community involvement is actively encouraged.

Many of our clients are entrepreneurial, owner-managed businesses, so they invest a great deal of time and energy in their business and expect the same commitment from us.  We are very proud of our reputation for speed and quality of service and look for people who will help us maintain it. We are always pleased to receive applications from professional, proactive and enthusiastic people looking to develop their skills in a busy and varied environment.

Founded in 1985, HWB is one of the leading firms of Chartered Accountants and business and tax advisers in the region, we offer the depth of resource and specialist skills of a national practice but remain dedicated to the personal approach.

HWB believe in investing in our people. This is evident by the fact that several of our directors started as trainees. We put particular emphasis on our Trainee Scheme which was designed to support College and University leavers start their careers in accountancy by offering a comprehensive study and work experience programme.

You will experience real responsibility from day one working directly with experienced accountants and clients, learning practical skills in audit, accounts, and tax.

Our structured development framework supports tangible growth and progression and takes you from Trainee or Graduate through Senior and Management level roles, and for those who excel, provides access to Director level development opportunities.  Case Study, James Flood – Trainee to Director

It is our hope you will become a confident, capable professional with a clear and accessible route to management.  You will be assigned a dedicated mentor and become part of a dynamic team, gaining real client exposure.

From day one you will be learning by doing — not just observing.

In your first few months you will:

• Work with real clients — prepare accounts, assist on audits, and contribute to tax returns under the guidance of qualified accountants.
• Learn the systems and tools — get comfortable using accounting software, spreadsheets, and digital workflows used across the firm.
• Join client meetings — sit in on planning discussions and presentations to understand how financial insights drive business decisions.
• Develop professional confidence — communicate with clients, handle deadlines, and manage tasks as part of a supportive team.
• Collaborate and connect — attend trainee workshops, social events, and peer-learning sessions to build relationships across the firm.

Within your first year you will:

• have built a strong foundation in both technical skills and client service.
• be well on the way toward your professional qualification.

Your HWB Career

• Year 1–2: Trainee Accountant — build core technical skills and provide high quality client work.
• Year 3–4: Senior — manage small client portfolios, mentor trainees, become subject expert.
• Year 4+: Qualified Accountant — lead client assignments, review work, guide team.
• Year 4-5+ Progression to Management and Director levels.

When you join HWB you’re not just starting a job — you’re joining a community that invests in your long-term growth. You’ll feel part of something bigger — a place where people genuinely care about your growth, celebrate your achievements, and help you build a career that lasts.  You can expect;

Development & Learning

• Fully funded professional study costs, exam fees, textbooks and manuals
• Paid study and exam leave
• Regular 1-to-1 mentoring and development reviews
• A variety of training workshops
• Clear skills development pathway to progress from Trainee to the highest level of Director
• A comprehensive study and work experience programme, delivered by a specialist firm of tutors for both classroom learning and home-study
• A Student Counsellor to provide guidance throughout your studies
• A Workplace Training Mentor to support on-the-job development.

Support & Belonging

• Supportive managers who are invested in your progress and wellbeing
• An inclusive team culture where everyone’s voice is heard and valued
• Regular social events, community days, and firm-wide celebrations

Progression & Opportunity

• Transparent promotion pathways — your effort and results will be recognised
• Opportunities to work across different client sectors and specialisms within HWB
• Involvement in firm projects, innovation initiatives, management and leadership development
• Where possible, progression into management and partnership-level roles

Benefits & Work-life Balance

• Friendly and collaborative office
• Competitive and annually reviewed salary
• 20 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (plus optional holiday trading)
• Paid study leave
• Professional membership fees paid
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Dress for your day policy
• Free Parking
• Enhanced maternity, paternity or adoption leave
• 100% electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Option to join our Private Medical Insurance (terms and conditions apply)
• Employee Assistance Programme, which provides a range of services, covering physical, mental and emotional health
• Sporting events including 5-a-side football, golf, charity runs and other challenges.
• Social events including team get-togethers, Summer and Christmas work parties.
• Cycle2work scheme

We’re looking for motivated individuals who are ready to learn and grow so no prior accounting experience required, just curiosity, commitment and enthusiasm.

What you will need is:

• Strong communication and analytical skills
• A genuine interest in business, finance, and helping clients succeed
• Team spirit and a proactive approach
• The right to work in the UK
• GCSE Maths & English Language – Grade B or Level 6 or above
• Higher education qualifications in a related academic subject e.g. Accounting, Finance, Maths or Business Studies.
  • College leavers: 2 A-Levels Grade C and above or equivalent
  • Graduates: either achieved or on course for Degree Grade 2:1 or 112 UCAS points

How to Apply

Applying is simple — no long forms or jargon.
Click “Apply Now” to upload your documents
We will let you know we’ve got your details and when we will be in touch again

Apply now for the Graduate Scheme

Apply now for the AAT Apprenticeship Scheme

Apply now for the Trainee Payroll Administrator

Apply now for the Trainee Tax Assistant