Audit Trainee

Launch your career in Audit, Accounts and Tax while working towards a professional AAT/ACCA qualification with comprehensive company support.

Location: Cape Town (Wembley Offices) | Working Arrangement: Office Based | Working Hours: UK Working Hours, Monday to Friday | Salary: R24,000 – R27,000 per month

ABOUT OUR CLIENT

Our client is a well-established firm of Chartered Accountants providing Audit, Accounts and Tax services to clients across a broad range of industries, including trading, property, and other businesses and organisations.

The firm is widely respected and prides itself on delivering excellent client relationships. This opportunity offers exposure to a diverse client portfolio while supporting employees pursuing professional qualifications.

THE ROLE: AUDIT TRAINEE

This trainee role is designed for individuals looking to develop within a team-based environment while pursuing an AAT or ACCA qualification. Depending on business requirements, the role may involve Audit, Accounts and/or Tax work, with the department to be discussed during the interview process.

The successful candidate will support senior team members, develop practical technical skills, participate in client engagements, and build an understanding of audit processes, financial reporting standards, and professional compliance requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Semi-Seniors and Seniors across Audit, Accounts and/or Tax assignments.


• Participate in audit fieldwork, including planning, execution and reporting.


• Keep engagement leaders updated on audit progress.


• Complete audit processes and programmes.


• Plan and carry out different aspects of audits, accounts and/or corporation tax work as directed.


• Analyse, summarise and reconcile client accounting records.


• Code summaries and post them onto accounts production software.


• Prepare basic sets of accounts.


• Prepare corporation tax returns.


• Prepare VAT returns, including preparation of a complete file.


• Assist with the preparation and submission of more substantial and/or complex accounts.


• Assist with the preparation and submission of VAT returns, company accounts and corporation tax returns.


• Complete associated administrative work.


• Understand and adhere to the firm's internal procedures and external compliance requirements.


• Engage professionally with clients.


• Develop an understanding of audit and financial reporting standards.


• Work as part of a team and report regularly to the Senior.


• Adhere to company policies and procedures, including equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory practice, confidentiality, and health and safety.


• Report all incidents and concerns.

Audit Quality

Trainee Level 1 (No Audit Experience)

• Develop a basic awareness of the audit process and understand the purpose of common testing procedures.


• Follow instructions precisely and complete tasks under close supervision.


• Understand the objectives of assigned sections and follow audit methodology.


• Ensure work is clearly documented and escalate questions or uncertainties early.


• Learn from senior staff and apply feedback consistently.


• Proactively identify issues or unusual findings and raise them with Seniors.

Trainee Level 2 (1+ Year Audit Experience)

• Complete straightforward audit sections independently with minimal rework.


• Ensure work is properly evidenced, cross-referenced and review-ready.


• Continue applying feedback to improve work quality across engagements.

External Logistics

Trainee Level 1

• Engage professionally with client staff while on-site.


• Support Semi-Seniors and Seniors with client communication.


• Handle routine client discussions professionally.


• Escalate unclear client responses promptly.


• Keep Seniors informed of delays or incomplete client responses.


• Maintain a professional presence during client interactions.

Trainee Level 2

• Communicate directly with clients regarding straightforward queries and evidence requests.


• Maintain accurate records of client requests and responses.

Internal Logistics

Trainee Level 1

• Communicate progress clearly to Seniors.


• Alert Seniors to blockers.


• Follow internal procedures and update trackers or status logs when requested.


• Save documents using the correct folder structure.

Trainee Level 2

• Maintain sample trackers, status logs and documentation accurately.


• Identify timing issues early and escalate appropriately.


• Complete work within agreed timeframes.


• Keep working papers review-ready throughout fieldwork.

Training & Development

Trainee Level 1

• Take ownership of learning by asking questions, seeking clarity and completing assigned training.


• Demonstrate willingness to learn and understand audit procedures.

Trainee Level 2

• Support Level 1 trainees with basic audit procedures.


• Apply feedback and improve work quality across engagements.


• Meet all Level 1 responsibilities while building proficiency across core audit areas.


• Complete ISQM forms accurately and on time.


• Provide informal guidance to junior staff.


• Seek opportunities to develop competence in more advanced testing.

Team Leadership

Trainee Level 1

• Contribute positively to team morale.


• Support a collaborative working environment.


• Support Seniors during fieldwork.

Trainee Level 2

• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and willingness to assist others.


• Help newer trainees understand tasks and processes when requested.


• Promote a positive team environment.

Wider Team Responsibilities

Trainee Level 1

• Participate in team and firm initiatives when requested.


• Provide administrative and operational support where required.

Trainee Level 2

• Volunteer for simple internal tasks under appropriate oversight.


• Support Seniors and Managers with internal housekeeping tasks.


• Contribute practical insights during team discussions.

Budgets & Work in Progress

Trainee Level 1

• Record time accurately each day.


• Complete timesheets daily and submit before finishing on Friday.


• Work within allocated hours.


• Escalate if work exceeds expected timeframes.

Trainee Level 2

• Develop an understanding of how budgets link to the wider audit plan.


• Identify efficiencies within assigned testing.


• Communicate potential time overruns promptly, providing reasons.

Liaising with Accounts & Tax

Trainee Level 1

• Follow instructions when passing information or documents to the Accounts or Tax teams.


• Ensure accuracy and version control.

Trainee Level 2

• Share schedules and supporting information when requested.


• Maintain organised audit files.


• Ensure responses from Accounts or Tax are communicated to Seniors.


• Escalate conflicts between departmental requests and audit timelines.

ABOUT YOU

• Trainee Level 1: No previous audit experience required.


• Trainee Level 2: Minimum 1 year of audit experience.


• Willingness to study towards an AAT or ACCA qualification.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.


• Competent using Excel spreadsheets.


• Ability to maintain professional relationships.


• Ability to prioritise workloads while maintaining a high standard of work.


• Strong written communication using concise business terminology.


• Strong verbal communication with clients and colleagues.


• Ability to complete tasks within agreed timescales.


• Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.


• Ability to monitor workload and resolve issues appropriately.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and utilise resources effectively.


• Ability to manage emotions appropriately.


• Adaptable and able to learn new skills.


• Reliable and able to work independently.


• Positive outlook.


• Integrity, honesty and trustworthiness.


• Self-motivated with initiative, flexibility and resilience.


• Understanding of delivering work on time and following established processes.


• Understanding of the value of customer service in developing and retaining business.


• Understanding of the firm's customers and sector makeup (desirable).


• Knowledge of the firm's services and solution offerings (desirable).


• Broad understanding of the company's goals (desirable).


• Ability to model team behaviour and encourage others (desirable).


• GCSE Maths and English at Level 6 or above (desirable).


• Three A Levels (desirable).