‘The firm is one of the UK’s Top 40 independent Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, and renowned for real specialism in our chosen fields. With over 200 staff in three offices across Gloucestershire, we are proud to be a very strong regional practice with both a national and international reach. Many of our specialists have a UK wide reputation. We also enjoy what we do, and are very straightforward to deal with.’ Hazlewoods website, 2015
With an average score of 3.9/5 by their graduate employees, the accountancy and advisory firm Hazlewoodscomes in at position 80 in the Top Smaller Intake Companies To Work For in 2015/2016. Hazlewoods’ broad client portfolio and partner/director opportunities along with the opportunities for specialisation all help contribute towards the firm’s strong rating in training (4.3), company culture (4.1) and colleagues (4.4).
The average graduate salary is £17,000 – £19,000, with a trainee accountant explaining that ‘there is real progression from the starting salary throughout the training process to when you qualify’. Average working hours are 8am – 5pm although a trainee accountant added that ‘the required work hours can vary from department to department. Some require you to only work your contractual hours and if deadlines have required a little more work allow you to have this time back another day. Others seemly have an unwritten rule that all staff are consistently required to work longer than the contracted 7.5 hours without any additional time on the clock.’
‘Everybody is really friendly and there are loads of opportunities to meet people from the company at social events. There are also lots of training courses for the different software packages used. Everyone is always willing to help and is supportive about training for the ACA. Sometimes it can be difficult managing study with work.’
Trainee Chartered Accountant , Healthcare at Hazlewoods LLP
‘There is a good working environment at Hazlewoods, you are supported and aided by colleagues throughout your training experience. The level of training is very good and you are supported thoroughly throughout your studies.’
Trainee Chartered Accountant, Corporate Services at Hazlewoods LLP
‘Variety. Learn so much quickly. Young. Social events Can be stressful. Travelling and stay aways. Not always allowed flexible time.’
Corporate Services Assistant, Corporate Services at Hazlewoods LLP
Application Advice: The job requires you to be approachable and willing to learn new skills.
Interview Advice: Make sure you know why you want to choose Hazlewoods.
Trainee Chartered Accountant, Healthcare/Audit at Hazlewoods LLP
Application Advice: Try to show off your personality. The company like sociable, outgoing people rather than your stereo-typical “boring” accountant. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes. Try to stand out from the rest.
Interview Advice: Be yourself. Prepare answers to typical interview questions. Be clear about why you want a career in accountancy and why you have applied for Hazlewoods specifically. Do some practice English/Maths tests.
Trainee Chartered Accountant, at Hazlewoods LLP
Application Advice: Be yourself. Put a lot of effort into your form you need to stand out
Interview Advice: Be yourself most importantly; cliche I know but it worked for me. Look into accounting, news, audit before interview.
Corporate Services Assistant, Corporate Services at Hazlewoods LLP
Take a look at the video clip below to hear more from one of the partners at Hazlewoods and click here for the full range of job reviews from graduates at Hazlewoods.
Experts from the best companies in the UK share their experience and advice on how to boss the interview process
Jazz Panesar is a Digital and Technology Apprentice at Severn Trent. Read Jazz’s story here.
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Have your own questions prepared.It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Your interviewer will expect you to have...
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Research the Company.Do your homework about the employer and the industry so you are ready for the interview question "What do you know about this company?"
