What’s it Like to Train at Goodman Jones
All the details of our graduate programme are below. But before we get into that, let’s give you an idea of what life’s like as a Goodman Jones trainee day to day. Here’s what some of our recruits had to say when they sat down the Giuseppe Scozzaro, our Head of Audit:
Client Contact
When you start your training you will have the opportunity to work as part of a team on a wide variety of clients, ranging from small owner-managed businesses to large groups of companies trading both in the UK and internationally. This will involve work of both an accounting and an auditing nature, and you will gain strong skills in both of these key areas.
You will additionally receive hands-on involvement with corporate tax work, again building up strong skills in this area, as well as having to liaise with our personal tax department on individuals' personal tax issues. If that's not enough you may well find yourself assisting on, for example, a one-off investigation or due diligence case.
Although we specialise in a number of areas, we act for a wide range of clients and you can expect to be involved in a wide variety of businesses. You are encouraged from an early stage to use your experience gained to provide sound 'value added' business advice to clients.
In-house Training
Our in-house training courses give you the practical skills that your work assignments demand.
They’re pitched at different levels during your training programme, reflecting the progress you’re making and the responsibility you’re taking on.
Assessment and Review
We’ll evaluate your progress every six months, in a way that’s accurate, meaningful and helpful to your development.
Audit trainees will have formal assessments with an audit manager whom they work closely with. ACA trainees will have review meetings with our Training Partner, as required by the ICAEW.
Pay and Reward
We continually review our renumeration, to make sure that it’s competitive at all levels.
Salaries are increased annually, partly in relation to performance. Trainees will receive further increases to reward exam success.
Our trainee package includes 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays), a full range of benefits and company pension contributions.
Study and Exams
While we provide your practical training, we work with a top professional education provider, First Intuition, to deliver your course training for the ACA exams.
First Intuition will equip you with the classroom knowledge you need to pass the exams – they’re based close to our own offices in Central London.
Your dedicated tutor will support you throughout your studies, and update us regularly so that we can monitor your progress. You can also ask your colleagues for help and advice, and get one-to-one tutorials if you’re finding a particular topic difficult.
We’ll cover the cost of the course and your exams, and offer an interest-free loan to help your cash flow. You’ll have paid study leave for your first attempt at each exam. The cost of any resits would be your responsibility,
Of course, we want you to pass first time. Combined, our training and support, First Intuition’s education and your hard work should give you the best possible chance of doing so.
However, we know that life doesn't always go to plan. If you don’t pass at the first attempt, we’ll look at the circumstances with you, and discuss the best course of action from there.
ACA Qualification
We’ll be honest with you: the Associate Chartered Accountant qualification is no easy ride. The exams are difficult and time-pressured, not least because you’ll be studying alongside your full-time work with us.
That’s not to put you off. Far from it: qualifying is a rewarding experience, and should open up a fulfilling career. But you need to be certain from the outset that it’s the right route for you to take.
The ACA qualification is made up of three levels:
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Certificate level
The Certificate Level includes six papers, which introduce you to the core concepts that underpin accountancy. These exams take the form of 90-minute, computer- based, multiple-choice assessments.
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Professional level
The Professional Level also comprises six papers. These build on the Certificate Level, showing you how to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in practice. The Professional Level exams are written assessments, completed using ICAEW software.
The Certificate and Professional modules complement each other, and so are often taught in parallel. There are obvious pairings between the modules, with the first four papers forming what’s known as the ‘Early Hurdle’ (Accounting, Assurance, Financial Accounting, and Audit and Assurance). Candidates then sit the remaining eight papers in batches of four:Certificate
Professional
Accounting
Assurance
Audit & assurance
Financial accounting & reporting
Law
Principles of taxation
Business Planning
Tax Compliance
Business & finance
Management information
Business strategy
Financial management
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Advanced level
The Advanced Level covers two technical integration papers and a case study. Its focus is on putting the theory you’ve learned into practice: you’ll be asked to find effective, multi-disciplinary solutions to real-life problems. That requires a combination of professional judgement, business awareness and technical skills.
Success at the Advanced Stage depends on more than classroom learning. The experience you gain by working for us will be equally critical, as you’ll apply what you’ve studied to the sort of practical issues that businesses face.
The first technical paper is on Corporate Reporting, covering financial and corporate reporting, accounting, audit and assurance, taxation, law and ethics. The second is on Strategic Business Management, testing your understanding, planning skills and ability to give advice.
The case study tests your skills in the context of a specific business issue, often touching on multiple areas of the syllabus.More details on each subject can be found here.
CFAB Qualification
We understand that university is not for everyone, and studying a professional qualification whilst working is a preferred option for many people.
Our CFAB training programme is designed to do just this: it gives you the opportunity to embark on a professional career and study for a professional qualification whilst working. We give you the knowledge and training you need to begin and develop a career in accountancy. We seek a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points (excluding General Studies) from our CFAB applicants.
CFAB Exams
CFAB is a standalone qualification but also serves as a stepping stone to further qualifications, including the ACA. Our CFAB training is a 2-year programme, with exams spread across a 12-month period in the middle of the programme.
The essential building blocks for a career in accountancy are covered via 6 modules across finance, accounting, and business:
Each exam module is examined by a 1.5-hour computer-based exam, and can be sat throughout the year at an ICAEW approved test centre.
To apply for our September 2024 training programme, please send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@goodmanjones.com.
AAT Qualification 
The Association of Accounting Technicians certificate is valuable in its own right, and as a stepping stone to further accountancy qualifications (including the ACA).
Our AAT training programme will give you the knowledge and training required to develop a career in accountancy.
The qualification is made up of three stages, each of which takes 6-18 months to complete:
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Course level |
Modules Undertaken |
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Foundation Certificate in Accounting |
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Advanced Diploma in Accounting
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Professional Diploma in Accounting
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Plus at least two of the following optional modules;
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Each module is assessed via a computer-based exam, which tests your analytical and interpretative skills.
Each stage is a qualification in itself. But you must complete the Professional Diploma to apply for AAT membership; or to go on to study for further accounting certifications.
You can take the AAT skill check to see whether the qualification is suitable for you.
Beyond Qualification
Once you’ve qualified, it’s time to consider whether a structured career with us is the right option for you. We’ll sit down and discuss this with you come the time.
If you stay with us, you’ll keep learning as you progress with the firm.
We run regular courses to keep you up to date with the changing world of audit, financial reporting and tax; and to enhance your management, interpersonal and presentation skills.
