Trainee Accountant – Acquisition Services at St. James’s Place

St. James’s Place (SJP) works in partnership to plan, grow and protect our clients’ financial futures. We deliver personalised, face-to-face financial advice to our clients, who trust us to manage their money to reach their goals. We provide this service via the Partnership, a network of qualified, expert advisors. We put financial wellbeing and responsible business choices at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the value of difference and know that diverse teams can help us problem and innovate for clients.

We look for people to join SJP to make an impact and to contribute to our culture which is based around long term relationships, doing the right thing, and being the best version of ourselves.

Location: Cirencester/hybrid (2 days p/wk in the Cirencester office)

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Employment Type: Permanent

Seniority: Associate

Are you looking for a varied and interesting opportunity where you can develop a rewarding accountancy/finance-related career?

The Head Office Acquisitions Services team is responsible for ensuring transactions are effectively managed from initial review through to completion, delivered efficiently and within our risk appetite.

This role is likely to suit someone studying/looking to study for a finance qualification with great communication skills and a pro-active work ethos. You’ll be fully supported through the pursuit of AAT and ACCA qualifications.

What you’ll be doing:
You’ll assist in researching targets as potential SJP Partner practices, summarising research information into data for use by the internal team.

Ongoing monitoring of current and historical acquisitions, and developing the effective presentation of management information.

Analyse out trends and flag large variances or issues identified to managers. Assist with remedy of those issues.

Assist with undertaking financial due diligence on target recruits and acquisitions.

Assist with ad-hoc due diligence projects on other work streams such as Bespoke Financing and Partner acquisitions.

Utilise and test basic financial models to create summary tables and outputs.

Work with internal stakeholders to assist in delivery of projects in accordance with agreed timetables.

Who we’re looking for:
You may be early in your career or looking for a change to an interesting accountancy/finance-related career.

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Good data/analytical skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, self-motivated and enthusiastic.

Commercial competence.

Ability to present information in data for an internal audience.

Basic understanding of company financials (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Cashflow) and basic accounting principles preferred.

Special Requirements:
Occasional work offsite and travel to other St. James’s Place locations – 5%.

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What’s in it for you?

Private Medical – up to family cover paid for by Company– via BUPA. No excess for claims.*

Meaningful protection benefits with real value, such as 10X life cover, PHI, and critical illness.*

Non-Contributory Pension – 10% (increasing with length of service up to 15%) with further pension matching.

Parental leave – 6 months full pay

28 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays (based on full-time equivalent) with the option to buy up to an additional 5 days holiday

• Not applicable to Fixed-Term Contracts (standard uplift applies in lieu of the protection benefits)

Flexible Working

We know that everyone works best in different ways, at different times and in different environments. We have introduced a hybrid working policy to provide greater flexibility for part-time work, job-sharing, remote working, and flexibility on hours. Our people are encouraged to work in a flexible way that suits their lifestyle, so please ask the question and start a conversation!

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career-break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

What’s next?

Our team will be in touch. As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and in particular consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.

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