Clive Atkins & Co

Clive Atkins Accountants’ story

Swansea-based accountancy firm Clive Atkins & Co is championing apprenticeships after an almost 25-year success recruiting apprentices since first opening its doors at former Mansel Street office in 1995.

The accountancy firm currently employs four apprentices, all of whom are enrolled on the Level 2 Associate Account Technicians apprenticeship. Apprentices spend one day per week in Gower College where they learn the theory which informs their day-to-day work at the firm, supporting fully qualified accountants on a range of different clients.

Offering long-term career development

Clive Atkins, director and founder of the firm, said: “Apprentices have allowed our company to grow from strength to strength. Not only can we give hard-working young people the opportunity to gain qualifications and work experience, but the whole team learns from our apprentices who bring in relevant and up-to-date knowledge.

“Ever since we started employing apprentices, we’ve made sure that all our trainees get stuck into the business straight away. Our apprentices start learning the principles of accounting from day one, studying and applying their knowledge to tax returns, bank controls and credit checks, and from there they study part-time to get fully qualified and eventually reach Chartered Accountant level.

“We field hundreds of applications every year, and our previous apprentices have gone on to become Financial Directors, or Partners at Accounting firms – for us, it isn’t about making people sign a life-long contract to stay with us, we just want to offer talented individuals the chance to become qualified and work alongside our team.”

Gaining professional experience

Ashleigh Jones, 23 from Llansamlet, started her apprenticeship in 2018. Ashleigh said: “I’ve already noticed my apprenticeship has opened so many doors to professional experiences such as bookkeeping for a range of clients, payroll administration and accounting software. I’m working across departments and learning from senior members of staff on all areas of accounting which has been really interesting and varied.

“My apprenticeship was the best choice for me, as it meant I could get straight into the financial sector. I’m planning to stay on and progress up to Chartered Accountant in the next three or four years, which will be challenging but so rewarding at the same time.”