Accountancy, investment management and tax group Smith & Williamson, which employs around 200 people at its Bristol office, has been voted the top employer in the accounting and professional services sector.
The firm beat off strong competition from the Big Four and other mid-tier accounting firms to claim the accolade from careers platform All About
The rankings are based on surveys completed by apprentices and school leavers from 100 UK-based organisations.
In addition, Smith & Williamson came fifth in the table of the UK’s top 30 higher apprenticeship schemes and 15th in the rankings of the top 100 employers for school and college leavers – the highest-scoring accountancy and professional services firm in both.
The accolades coincide with Smith & Williamson’s Bristol office welcoming its latest intake of trainees and apprentices and as it congratulates two of its trainees, Gemma Beddows and Zeeshan Amjad, on scoring top marks in their recent accounting exams.
Gemma was the joint winner of the West of England Audit and Assurance prize while Zeeshan scooped the West of England Tax Compliance prize.
Bristol office managing partner Mike Lea said: “We are delighted to welcome our latest intake of trainees and wish them every success during the years ahead.
“We are continually impressed by the achievements of our trainees, which is a result of very hard work and focus. Gemma and Zeeshan did incredibly well to score the highest marks in their recent exams against trainees from across the West of England.
“Training and development is an integral part of our culture and we are pleased to be recognised for our investment and commitment in this area. Providing an outstanding service to our clients is paramount and goes hand in glove with providing a great working environment, career opportunities and support to the people who deliver it.”
Pictured, from left: Smith & Williamson’s newest intake of trainees and apprentices. James Harris, Ryan Threlfall, George Cai, Hannah Larsen, Charlie Robinson, Liam Small and Gemma Bayly
