Accountancy firm Broomfield & Alexander has seen an influx of new trainees as a direct result of the company’s growth over the past 12 months.

Seven new trainees have joined the firm and will be based at offices in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, where they will undergo a three-year training programme to become qualified chartered accountants.

The new roles will help support Broomfield & Alexander’s audit, tax and payroll services across the business, with the course being recognised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Association of Accounting Technicians.

The programme allows trainees to work in a full-time role, where they will be mentored by senior staff but actively engage with the firms’ client base, including some of Wales’ top 100 companies. The trainees will also spend one day a week studying and take regular exams, alongside their day-to-day work.

“This traineeship has given me my first proper working experience in the accountancy field and, even though I’m only in my first year, I’ve already learned so much,” said Callum Ryan, who works in the Newport office supporting its audit and business services.

“I’ve been working on audits for a charity and preparing accounts for sole traders, limited companies and partnerships.

“Combining the work placement with classroom learning has given me understanding that I can then apply in the office and when dealing with clients. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Broomfield & Alexander has delivered its current training programme for many years.

Gethin Earles is another trainee at the Newport office: “I was very fortunate to be offered a role with Broomfield & Alexander at the start of October; in this short space of time I have already had exposure to clients I never would have dreamed of working with at my level. As part of my traineeship, I will be following the ACCA programme, which will help me to become as professional and informative as the people guiding me.”

“In 2016 we experienced a strong interest in our trainee scheme, which enabled us to not only identify the next generation of new talent, but fuel the fire of our ongoing growth plans both locally in Newport and across Wales,” says Sarah Case, director of Broomfield & Alexander.

“Recruiting high quality staff at any level, whether it be directors or graduate trainees, is crucial to our business model as it ensures that every aspect of our service continues to meet the highest possible standards to efficiently service businesses in Newport.”