Selection process

Wilkins Kennedy is a recognised training firm. Each year we take on between 8-10 trainees to fill positions across our offices. We have established policies and procedures for recruitment and selection. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with our procedures to ensure that you submit your application correctly. 

We work within the guidelines recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.

Step 1: Submit an application

Submit your application by completing our application form.

Receipt of application will be acknowledged however, due to the high volume of applications received by our firm each year, we regret that we are unable to enter into correspondence regarding the short listing process, progress of your application or other general queries.

Step 2: Short listing

All applications that comply with our procedures are initially reviewed by our HR Director and a shortlist of candidates is compiled.

Step 3: Preliminary on-line questionnaire

All short listed candidates are required to complete a “forced choice” questionnaire which is administered online. This is not a test and there are no right or wrong answers. These tests take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Alternative arrangements can be made if access is a problem – please specify on your form if this is required.

Step 4: Assessment Day

Those candidates who have been short listed are invited to an Assessment Day, which is held in our London office.

The Assessment Day is two-way process. It provides an opportunity for us to assess you and how well you will fit in at Wilkins Kennedy; it enables you to assess us and decide whether we are the right firm for you.

During the Assessment Day candidates undergo literacy and numeracy evaluations in the form of simple psychometric tests. You will also be interviewed by a team of two partners/managers and participate in a group exercise. You will then be invited to join your fellow candidates for an informal lunch with a number of our partners and staff.

Step 5: Receive an Offer of a Training Contract

Based on the outcomes of the Assessment Day, successful candidates may be invited to a second interview or alternatively offered a traineeship.

Step 6: Vetting

On acceptance of our offer we will conduct reference checks to confirm your academic and relevant employment history. Subject to these being in order, we will confirm our offer.

Step 7: Traineeship

Most traineeships are for a 3 year period, subject to successful progress through the professional examinations.

We conduct regular formal reviews throughout the duration of your training. In your final year we will discuss your future aspirations, preferences and relevant opportunities that exist within the firm. We cannot guarantee a placement in the firm but we do have a track record for retaining a significant number of our best performing trainees.

Timing

We recommend applying in December/January for a traineeship in the autumn (August/September) of that year.

We hold our Assessment Day in February/March and usually make a decision on candidates by the end of March.

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