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Charity Accounts Trainee, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Whitings LLP., Suffolk, VA, United States


Charity Accounts Trainee – Bury St Edmunds

Location:

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Contract:

Full‑time, permanent Start Date:

Summer 2026

Start your accountancy career while supporting organisations that make a difference Are you looking to begin your career in accountancy and want to do work that really matters? We’re looking for a friendly, enthusiastic person to join our Charity & Not‑for‑Profit team as a Charity Accounts Trainee.

You’ll train towards your AAT qualification while working with charities, community groups and social enterprises across the region. If you like numbers, enjoy helping people and want a job where you can grow and feel supported, this could be a brilliant fit.

A bit about us Whitings LLP has worked with charities and not‑for‑profits for many years, and it’s a part of our firm we’re really proud of. Our clients range from small volunteer‑run organisations to large, national charities — and every one of them has a mission that makes a positive impact.

Our team helps them with:

Statutory accounts prepared under the Charity SORP

Independent examinations and assurance work

Bookkeeping and management accounts

Gift Aid claims and other compliance matters

Advice on governance, internal controls and financial reporting

You don’t need any charity experience — just an interest in the sector and a willingness to learn.

What you’ll be doing day‑to‑day As our Charity Accounts Trainee, you’ll get hands‑on experience from the start. Your work will include:

Helping prepare annual accounts for charities

Assisting with independent examinations

Keeping digital accounting records up to date

Preparing Gift Aid claims

Supporting clients with their accounting systems

Learning how charity rules, regulations and reporting work

You’ll be supported by a friendly team who are always happy to share knowledge and help you grow.

Who we’re looking for You don’t need experience — just the right attitude. You’ll be a great fit if you:

Enjoy working with numbers and solving problems

Are organised, reliable and happy managing deadlines

Communicate clearly, confidently, and in a friendly manner

Have good attention to detail

Are curious and keen to learn

Want a career where your work helps organisations doing good in the community

Have (or are expecting) good A‑Level grades or equivalent

If you’ve used accounting software before, that’s a bonus — but definitely not essential.

What you’ll get from us

Full AAT study support and paid study leave

Lots of practical training from experienced charity specialists

A clear path to progress in your career

A friendly, supportive workplace

Competitive salary and benefits

Opportunities to get involved in community and charity events

We want you to feel encouraged, challenged (in a good way!) and valued from day one.

Core Benefits:

Generous annual leave

We support your continued development including attending training courses, webinars, leadership, management development and continuing professional development programmes

Flexible working is encouraged and regularly reviewed

Enhanced Maternity Pay

In case of long-term sickness or incapacity, income protection is provided

Life assurance

Paid study leave

Paid professional subscriptions

Health Shield cash back plan – for treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy etc (a more extensive list is available)

Flu vaccinations

Enhanced sick pay

Tax efficient pension (salary sacrifice)

We have a wellbeing programme, which includes counselling and mental health support and legal advice

Team social events, fundraising and activities with other local offices

How to apply If this sounds like the right next step for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Instead of a covering letter, we ask that applicants submit a

brief paper

(no more than 300 words) on any topic related to charities or the charity sector. This helps us understand your writing style, your curiosity, and what interests you about the world of charities.

A few ideas (optional):

Why charities need good financial reporting

The importance of transparency for public trust

The role of Gift Aid in charity funding

How digital accounting can help small charities

What motivated you to want to work with charities

Click here to view the full job specification.

Please email your

CV

and the

paper

to:

janetfrostick@whitingsllp.co.uk

#J-18808-Ljbffr