Professional qualification
We are committed to supporting your success throughout the ACA qualification. Through a leading training provider, you will receive comprehensive classroom-based tuition covering both technical content and exam technique. The firm covers all tuition, registration and examination fees, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and professional development.
Professional development
Alongside your ACA studies, you will attend a programme of professional development courses through the HAT Group of Accountants. These courses are designed to complement your technical training, developing the practical, commercial and interpersonal skills needed for a successful career in practice. They also provide valuable opportunities to learn alongside trainees from other firms and expand your professional network.
Continuous
learning
Professional development does not stop once your exams are complete. We invest in ongoing learning through regular technical updates, in-house training sessions and knowledge-sharing across the firm. Our annual training and team-building day, together with regular discussions and professional updates, helps ensure our team remains informed, connected and equipped to deliver the highest standards of client service.
Practical
experience
Hands-on experience is a fundamental part of your development at FW Smith Riches & Co. From the outset, you will gain exposure to a diverse client portfolio across audit, accounts, tax and advisory services. As your experience grows, so too will your responsibilities, with opportunities to manage assignments, work directly with clients and benefit from close support from our partners and managers.
Our benefits include:
- Competitive starting salary, reviewed annually to reflect your growing experience
- Time off in lieu for trainees in respect of overtime worked
- Central London office location
- Friendly and supportive training environment
- Flexible office hours
- Full payment of exam fees, tuition fees and professional fees
- Life assurance cover and access to an Employee Assistance Programme
Testimonials
Doing my training contract with FWSR has been a great experience. They have supported me throughout, with everyone from other trainees up to the Partners always making themselves available to help with work or filling out the ICAEW file, and have always been supportive whilst doing the ACA exams.
They have provided throughout my training contract great opportunities to work on a wide range of clients, from single employee companies to international groups, across many different industries.
I have really enjoyed my first six months on placement at FWSR, where I have had a great opportunity to see what it takes to be part of a focused and successful firm.
I have been tasked with a variety of jobs from larger audits to preparing smaller accounts, all of which have given me a strong foundation for a future career in accountancy, and a much clearer understanding of the responsibilities the role entails. Everyone is very supportive and I would definitely recommend spending your placement year here.
Joining FWSR as a qualified accountant relocating from Ireland has been a seamless and highly rewarding transition. From day one, I have felt welcomed and supported by the team, whose collaborative culture has made settling into the role incredibly easy. I have enjoyed gaining hands-on experience across a diverse client base, which has further developed my skillset and I look forward to continuing to develop my career at FWSR and contributing to the firm's ongoing success.
FWSR has provided me with great opportunities to develop throughout my career, from trainee through to manager. The firm has always encouraged professional growth, giving me exposure to a broad range of clients and industries while supporting me to take on new responsibilities. Working alongside experienced and approachable colleagues has helped me develop both technically and professionally, and I value being part of a team that is committed to delivering high-quality service while investing in its people.
Training for the ACA at a small firm was the best decision. FWSR is a caring family where everyone works together. I was supported every step of the way through my exams and professional work - they take the time to invest in the development and growth of their staff, ensuring people reach their potential. I was given opportunities to work on client work from very early on in my training contract and was lucky enough to work on a range of audits in a variety of industries and locations… They are a generous firm in every sense, and I am grateful for my time spent there.
I really enjoyed my time at FWSR as a trainee and qualified accountant. The team that you have around you are amazing and supportive of all you do. You have support throughout from the other trainees and all the managers/partners. The balance between work and studies is well managed so that you never feel overwhelmed with juggling the two. You are constantly developing with additional responsibilities for each audit until leading them. FWSR is a great starting point for your career as a Chartered Accountant.
Interested in joining us?
We’re inviting driven graduates, looking for a rewarding career path and an opportunity to train as a Chartered Accountant, to strengthen our team. If you aspire to learn, explore new ideas, and make a meaningful contribution, we’d love to hear from you.
If you are a graduate and are interested in having a career with us and would like to train to become a Chartered Accountant please apply directly to HAT.
For further information on a career in Chartered Accountancy visit the website of the ICAEW.

