Duncan & Toplis opens training programme for future leaders

One of the largest independent accounting and business advisers in the East Midlands, Duncan & Toplis, is inviting applications for its 2023 training programme.

The Duncan & Toplis training programme focuses on personal development, leadership training and technical skills, and it offers university graduates the chance to progress through to management roles.

The scheme is designed to attract talented young people by offering a range of benefits and qualifications.

Successful applicants to the programme can choose to become a trainee chartered accountant, or a trainee chartered management accountant. The pathway they choose will determine the qualifications they undertake, either an ACA accountancy qualification with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales (ICAEW), or a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Professional Qualification.

Heidi Thompson, HR Director and Head of HR and Payroll at Duncan & Toplis, said:

“We are delighted to open applications for our graduate training programme for another year. The trainee positions give talented university graduates the chance to kick off their careers and join a pathway that can see them become senior leaders.

“Applicants do not need to have any previous experience, as we provide our trainees with all of the training they need for a successful career. From accounting and audit techniques to tax and financial analysis methods, trainees learn everything they need from a combination of professional training and on-the-job training.

“Many former trainees have gone on to become leaders, and all trainees have the opportunity to undertake ILM management training to prepare them for such roles.

“For graduates with ambition and a desire to support a range of businesses, the Duncan & Toplis graduate training programme is an amazing opportunity to embark upon an engaging and rewarding career.”

Trainees on both pathways will be enrolled on a three-year training contract for a fully funded level 7 apprenticeship attending professional training provided by Kaplan, an accountancy and finance training company.

The training scheme offers the option of hybrid and remote working when the time is right during the trainees development, in line with the company’s flexible working policy. Trainees can, aside from core hours, work at times that suit them. They can also split their time between working from home and working at one of the company’s 11 offices in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Jordan Owen joined the Duncan & Toplis training programme in 2015 after graduating with a degree in Accounting and Finance at Nottingham Trent University.

Speaking about his career at Duncan & Toplis, Jordan said:

“From day one I had exposure to clients in a range of different sectors, from sole traders to private limited companies and public sector entities. I also had a diverse workload which ranged from accounts preparation to audits and corporate tax work.

“Whilst on the pathway, I undertook my ACA qualification, and Duncan & Toplis were really flexible in allowing us to work around our study and exams. They provide students with time off to attend college and study for these exams, which is hugely beneficial.

“Working for Duncan & Toplis is fantastic. It is a large enough company that provides a corporate feel but it is also a company that clearly values and focuses on the personal relationships with its clients. I’m so pleased I applied for the trainee scheme.”

Meanwhile, ACA trainee at Duncan & Toplis Louie Miles said:

“My role at Duncan & Toplis offers a lot of variety and includes preparing accounts and consolidated accounts, undertaking audit assignments, and assisting the reinsurance team while studying to achieve an ACA qualification.

“I have completed work for a range of clients in sectors such as: farming, education, property, real estate and retail. I enjoy gaining an insight into how different businesses operate.”

Graduates who are interested in applying for the Duncan & Toplis graduate training programme will need to submit their CV, before preparing for an interview and assessment process.

Duncan & Toplis employs more than 450 people across the East Midlands and offers all employees mental health support, time to volunteer for charitable work and a discretionary end of year bonus.

The company supports more than 12,000 businesses and individuals with services tailored to their needs, including accountancy, payroll, IT and legal services. Candidates on the training programme will have the opportunity to gain experience across the company’s services, and work with a range of clients.

Duncan & Toplis will be attending student recruitment fairs across the East Midlands in the autumn where potential candidates can learn more about the graduate training programme, as well as finding out more about the company and a career in the industry. The team will be attending a range of fairs including events at University of Nottingham on 12 October, University of Derby on 13 October, Loughborough University on 18 October, Nottingham Trent University and University of Leicester on 19 October, De Montfort University on 25 and 26 October and University of Lincoln on 2 November. For more information please visit duncantoplis.co.uk/events.

For a full list of current opportunities at Duncan & Toplis, please visit duncantoplis.co.uk/vacancies.