Accounts and Taxation Apprentice

HARLING & KIRK ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED

High Wycombe (HP13 5RE)

Closes in 14 days (Thursday 1 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 15 September 2026

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Summary

Harling & Kirk Accountants Limited is a growing accounting firm based in High Wycombe. Founded by Frank Harling and Tom Kirk.  

The firm is looking for a staff member to work alongside Frank, Tom and the team in servicing their growing client base.  Training will be provided by the Directors and team members.

Wage

£16,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Dependant on age and experience, the salary scale is £16,000 to £18,000.  This will be reviewed at the end of the first year.

Training course
Assistant accountant (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 19 October 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

You will be responsible for a full range of duties including, but not limited to, the following:

Bookkeeping for clients, which includes:

  • Processing of client records on to Xero/Quickbooks
  • Reconciling the bank accounts
  • Review of clients ledgers, both sales and purchases
  • Maintaining & reconciling control accounts, such as PAYE control, Wages Control, VAT Control
  • Producing VAT returns in Xero/QuickBooks
  • Preparation of bookkeeping and VAT returns in Excel
  • Filing VAT returns online
  • Completing applications for VAT registration

Preparation of personal tax returns for clients, which will include the following:

  • Preparing freelance accounts for self employed individuals
  • Preparing rental accounts for property clients
  • Preparing and submitting quarterly Making Tax Digital (MTD) returns
  • Preparing annual self assessment tax returns
  • Preparing taxable benefit in kind returns (form P11D)
  • Liaising with HMRC on varying aspect of clients affairs

Where you'll work

18 Manor Courtyard, Hughenden Avenue
High Wycombe
HP13 5RE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

Training course

Assistant accountant (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Assist with the investigation of, and response to, financial information queries.
  • Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
  • Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements, and report financial information to users of accounts.
  • Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
  • Reconcile financial data, such as preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
  • Investigate, resolve, or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
  • Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
  • Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
  • Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
  • Communicate using a range of approaches and media, with an understanding of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
  • Assist with the investigation of, and response to, financial information queries.
  • Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
  • Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements, and report financial information to users of accounts.
  • Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
  • Reconcile financial data, such as preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
  • Investigate, resolve, or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
  • Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
  • Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
  • Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
  • Communicate using a range of approaches and media, with an understanding of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.

Training schedule

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation:

Buckinghamshire Council

Your training course

  • Assistant accountant
  • Equal to Level 3 (A level)

Your training plan:

As part of this role, you will undertake and complete an Assistant Accountant Level 3 qualification with AAT.

At the end of this apprenticeship, you have an AAT Level 2 Booking Foundation Certificate and a Level 3 Diploma in Accounting which are nationally recognised qualifications.

You will have the opportunity to learn in your role and will be provided with time to study. This is a blended learning approach with time given to attend in person training at the Aylesbury Buckinghamshire Adult Learning site.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade A-C/4-9)
  • Maths (grade A-C/4-9)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience

Other requirements

When applying, please attach a copy of your CV.

About this employer

Harling & Kirk Accountants Limited is a growing accounting firm based in High Wycombe. Founded by Frank Harling and Tom Kirk, who between them have 35 years’ experience in practice at a larger accounting firm based in West London, Harling & Kirk Accountants provide wide ranging business and taxation solutions for small and medium sized businesses.
Dedicated to delivering an exceptional proactive service, the firm look to add real value to their clients, delivering a personable service where they really get to know and understand their clients and their challenges and requirements. Services offered include year-end accounting, tax compliance, tax planning, payroll, VAT support and company secretarial for Limited companies, LLP’s, partnerships, sole traders and personal tax clients. The firm also have significant experience assisting Charities with their accounting requirements and regulatory requirements.

https://harlingkirkaccountants.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Holiday: 22 days, plus 8 bank holidays
  • Fantastic team spirit
  • Exceptional training available
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Regular social activities
  • Competitive pay
  • Reimbursement of your professional subscriptions
  • Working directly with and learning from the partners

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

The role will encourage career growth and progression. Additional staff resource will be recruited as the firm grows in the coming months and years.

Exceptional training available and career progression opportunities.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

Sabrina Tebb

sabrina.tebb@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

07711 040746

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000053419.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Thursday 1 October 2026 at 11:59pm)