Trainee Accounts Associate

Ballards LLP: New Permanent Vacancy - Trainee Accounts Associate (ACA)

Location: Worcester and Droitwich

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Hybrid – 3 days split across both Worcester and Droitwich offices

Qualification: ACA training pathway

About Ballards:

At Ballards, we’re more than accountants, we’re trusted business advisers, strategic partners, and problem solvers. Since 1985, we’ve been helping ambitious businesses, charities, and private clients achieve sustainable growth through expert accountancy, tax, audit, and consultancy services.

Today, with over 150 talented colleagues across the Midlands, we’re proud to be one of the region’s fastest-growing independent firms. Our success is built on lasting relationships, exceptional client service, and a collaborative, people-first culture where everyone has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What sets us apart is our integrated approach. Alongside our market-leading accounting and tax expertise, we provide specialist consultancy in technology transformation, talent strategy, and brand and digital marketing, enabling us to deliver innovative, forward-thinking solutions that help our clients succeed in an ever-changing world.

We’re looking for an ambitious Trainee Accounts Associate to join our Accounts team across Worcester and Droitwich. This role is open to graduates and we welcome applications from people starting their accountancy career, including those with no previous accountancy practice experience. If you’re a recent graduate looking for your first professional role, or you already have some relevant finance or practice experience, this is an opportunity to build a strong technical foundation while working towards the ACA qualification.

The Role of Trainee Accounts Associate:

You’ll work alongside experienced managers on real client assignments, preparing accounts and supporting corporation tax, personal tax, bookkeeping, and VAT work. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on more responsibility and build direct client experience.

This is specifically a Worcester and Droitwich role, not a vacancy where you choose one office. You’ll work regularly from both locations, with the anticipated pattern likely to include around two days in Droitwich and weekly time in Worcester. The exact split will flex around team, client and training needs

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Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare year-end accounts and supporting working papers for manager review
• Assist with corporation tax computations and returns and, where required, personal tax work
• Support bookkeeping and VAT return preparation
• Help managers and portfolio holders keep client compliance work accurate, organised and on schedule
• Build relationships with colleagues and clients and develop your commercial understanding
• Work collaboratively across our Worcester and Droitwich offices
• Gain broader exposure where opportunities arise, including potential experience with Audit and Private Client
• Study towards the ACA qualification and apply your learning to practical client work

About You:

• You don’t need to arrive knowing everything. We’re looking for potential, a strong attitude and a genuine commitment to building a career in accountancy.
• Graduate applications are encouraged - degree or equivalent, ideally 2:1 or above
• A genuine interest in accounting, tax and how businesses work
• Strong organisation, numeracy and attention to detail
• Confident, open communication and a collaborative approach
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
• Willingness to learn, ask questions and respond positively to feedback
• Comfortable travelling between and working from both Worcester and Droitwich
• No previous accountancy practice experience is required; placements, internships, finance or industry experience are welcome but not essential

Why Ballards?

• ACA training and a structured professional development pathway
• Broad experience across accounts, tax, bookkeeping and VAT rather than a narrowly defined training seat
• A supportive, close-knit team backed by the expertise and resources of a 150+ person multidisciplinary firm
• Access to experienced managers, directors and partners
• Opportunities to work across teams and build wider experience
• A collaborative, people-first culture where ideas and initiative are encouraged
• Genuine long-term progression as Ballards continues to grow
• Competitive salary and benefits package