,

Graduate trainee position available at Alexander Knight & Co

Are you a graduate looking for an opportunity to start your career in accountancy?

  • Have you recently graduated or are graduating within the next 12 months – ready for a Summer 2024 start?
  • Would you like to join an accountancy practice that will support you to progress the first steps in your career?
  • Apply now to join our growing team based in HaleGreater Manchester.

Alexander Knight & Co is a modern, progressive and forward-thinking accountancy practice. We are committed to ongoing training and development in order to best serve the needs of our brilliant team and incredible, loyal clients, with a reputation for delivering high quality work through a friendly proactive style of accountancy.

Our client base is large and varied across a number of sectors both locally and nationally and we are active members of a renowned global accountancy network. We promote a positive and professional culture within our company and offer a supportive and flexible approach to working which is appreciated by both our staff and clients.

Candidate Requirements

Polite & professional manner.
Smart appearance.
Bright & articulate – able to engage with colleagues & clients appropriately, with ease & confidence.
Enthusiastic, self-motivated & keen to learn & progress within a professional environment.
Punctual, reliable, responsible, conscientious & trustworthy.

High level of numeracy & literacy essential.
Excellent organisational skills & consistent, accurate & analytical working methods.
Effective time management, strong communication skills & a high level of attention to detail.
Able to work independently & as part of a team.

5 (preferably 7) good GCSEs (grades A*-C/9-6) to include Maths & English ideally at the highest levels (A/A*/8/9)
2 A-levels (or equivalent)
Degree (2:1 or above)

Prospects and Benefits

  • Real potential for fast- track career progression.
  • Full support for completing studies and achieving career ambitions through staff training – on the job and external course provision.
  • Competitive salary
  • Agile, flexible approach to working, with opportunities for a hybrid basis i.e. a mix of remote and on site.
  • Modern, vibrant working environment, centrally located and within walking distance of both a village and a town.
  • Parking, excellent transport links.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment. We look forward to receiving your application via email to alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk. You can read more about our practice here.

, ,

Julie & Jacob join Alexander Knight & Co

We are thrilled to confirm the expansion of our team with the arrival of Julie Gee and Jacob Dally at our office in Hale.

Julie is an experienced payroll professional and will handle all payroll related processes for our clients.  She will also support clients to onboard new employees with payroll, HMRC compliance and employee benefits.

Jacob has joined us as an Assistant Accountant and will supports our senior colleagues to deliver accountancy services to our client base of entrepreneurs. He will also assist with preparing returns, client queries and client services.

We are delighted to welcome Julie and Jacob to our team!

,

Alexander Knight & Co: The first accountants in the UK to attain the prestigious ESGmark®

We are delighted to have become the first accountancy firm in the UK to attain the prestigious ESGmark® which independently demonstrates our commitment to ESG principles. 

ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It considers the sustainability and ethical impact of a company in relation to its employees, customers and community.

Alexander Knight & Co has undertaken a rigorous process to evidence its working practices and outlined a sustainable plan for the future. As a result, we have become the first accountancy practice in the UK to be accredited with the ESGmark®

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“Doing business in 2022 is about more than making a profit. Increasingly, our client base of entrepreneurs want their business to make a positive impact on the environment and society. Investors too, now use ESG criteria to make decisions about which companies to back.

“We’re proud of this accreditation, we feel passionately about it and we are delighted to be part of the ESGmark community. Now, as responsible business advisors we also have a duty to guide our clients on making the right decisions today and in the future.

“That’s why we’re talking to our clients about ESG and outlining the huge benefits a proactive approach can bring.

Consumers and clients are demanding change. We believe that company directors  who make a conscious effort to implement best practice in terms of ESG will be winners. It is no coincidence that there is a strong correlation between ESG performance and financial performance.”

Julia Fawsley Grant, Head of Content and Communication at ESGmark, said:

“We were so impressed with Alexander Knight & Co’s clear commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance principles and we are delighted to welcome them to our community as the first accountants in the UK to attain the ESGmark.

“At ESGmark we believe that the reporting and transparency that form part of everyday business for accountants, will be key to implementing more stringent impact- and ESG-reporting for companies across all sectors in the long run. It’s wonderful to be part of Alexander Knight & Co’s journey as they lead the way.

“Business owners who start their own ESG journey will see positive benefits for their  business,  people and their local community for the long term. By committing to their own ESG principles business owners can all make a difference.”

Alexander Knight & Co was founded by experienced accountant Murray Patt in 2012 and provides accountancy services to businesses from across the region and beyond. The firm is currently on a growth curve and is recruiting for roles at its office in Hale.The firm is also a member of MGI Worldwide, a global accounting network.

, , , ,

Murray Patt named ‘leading UK accountancy influencer’ by ICAEW

We are pleased to announce that Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co has been named as one of the UK’s leading accountancy influencers by the ICAEW as part of its annual #ICAEWRoar campaign.

The top UK online influencers were chosen using a formula tailored to emphasise quality over quantity. Using its values of integrity, objectivity and respect for others as a starting point the algorithm is unique to ICAEW.

Methodology

The ICAEW focused on UK-based individuals tweeting and discussing accountancy related topics such as accountancy, tax, budget, assurance, insolvency, audit and finance.

The ICAEW’s values of integrity, objectivity and respect for others were applied to the tone of voice of the tweets and retweets, determining the data it included in its metrics.

Working with Falcon it used a social media listening tool to pull data relevant to specific keywords, looking at a metrics comprising of:

  • Audience re-tweets;
  • Author tweets;
  • Positive and neutral sentiment
  • Visibility and audience relevance.

Algorithm

The #ICAEWROAR algorithm values quality over quantity. Placing more emphasis on topical engagement of the authors’ tweets than the amount they’ve tweeted, the algorithm considers everything from visibility, relevance and tone of voice, to reaction and audience engagement Read more on the ICAEW’s website here.

Congratulations to everyone who made the list!

You can follow Murray Patt on twitter here: https://twitter.com/MurrayPatt

,

Spring Statement 2022 – a summary for business owners

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered his Spring Statement yesterday which was keenly anticipated by business owners who find themselves challenged by the ‘cost of living crisis’. The context of delivering such a statement with the situation in Ukraine looming large in global consciousness meant it was not the time to introduce more tax rises (other than those previously announced) and worry the UK population even further.

We’ve put together a guide for you which you can download below covering all the key points from yesterday’s statement.

We also draw your attention to the following five issues to keep under review for you and your business:

  • The alignment of personal allowances and NIC thresholds is helpful and is part of HMRC’s plan to simplify tax – and all employees can benefit.
  • An increase in the employment allowance to £5k (from £4k) is also appreciated by our clients.
  • A 5p reduction in fuel duty, for those who haven’t already switched to electric vehicles, is good.
  • Whilst there was some concern (in advance of his speech) about potential changes to other taxes such as R&D rules, again the timing of this was not appropriate, and therefore it is unchanged.
  • The Chancellor indicated that there would be a future income tax reduction to 19% (from 20%) – but I wouldn’t see this as a certainty – more to do with winning votes in the future.

DOWNLOAD OUR SUMMARY HERE OR CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW.

,

Graduate Internships at Alexander Knight & Co

Accountancy Internships

If you are a recent graduate looking for a career in accountancy (or you are going to graduate in 2022) you can apply now to join our Graduate Internship.

As well as providing you with the opportunity to add valuable work experience at our leading accountancy practice to your CV, you’ll also gain practical and personal skills in a professional accountancy-based setting and potentially, even get the opportunity to become one of our permanent graduate professionals.

We welcome applications from graduates who meet the minimum criteria (set out below) from the full range of academic disciplines. This scheme is not just designed for people who have accountancy/business/finance qualifications.

We firmly believe that the accountancy firms of the future will have a blended approach to the skills they offer to their clients. We are a diverse employer and welcome applications from graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Our four week paid graduate internship gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the AK&Co culture and offers you the perfect springboard for success as an accountant in 2022.

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in accountancy and you are fascinated by the prospect of working with – and on behalf of – our growing client base of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders – apply now.

Minimum requirements

  • A 2:1 degree at a UK university
  • 3 A-levels (A*-B)
  • 9-7 in Maths & English at GCSE level or equivalent

The 3-step application process:

  1. Review of your CV and a brief covering letter

      Please send this to Alison Spier (alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk)

      (Only successful candidates will receive a reply)

 

  1. An invitation to a meeting to discuss your career aspirations 

 

  1. Acceptance onto our Graduate Internship.

           A date will be arranged for you to join us for two weeks.

 

, ,

Tax Manager Wanted. Develop your career at Alexander Knight & Co.

We’re growing our practice in Hale, Cheshire. If you’re an experienced tax professional and you’d like to join our team, send a confidential email to Alison Spier to arrange an informal chat about the role.

We have an exceptional list of loyal clients with multi-million turnover businesses. The majority of these companies have been working us for many years and we are highly focused on building long term, meaningful relationships.

We are now looking to grow our practice.We have vacancies for a Tax Manager/Senior Tax Manager. 

Suitable candidates will be experienced working in a fast-paced accountancy practice, dealing with clients both face to face and over the phone, advising them on a variety of tax issues, including corporation tax, including R&D, & CGT. A mixed tax background would also be of interest. You must be able to demonstrate exceptional client relationship skills, and have an approachable, professional manner.

As part of MGI Worldwide, the global accounting network, you will also join the Tax Forum, enabling you to network with peers from other practices across the UK and worldwide. International tax conferences are also organised by MGI Worldwide and you will join delegations to these when they occur. 

We will consider full time or part time, (including term time contracts), and would consider a hybrid working model for the right candidate.

If you feel that your experience is a good fit and you are looking for a modern accountancy practice based in Grade A offices in the heart of Hale to develop your career and would like to know more please email Alison Spier with your updated CV and details of your current package.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

PS – no agencies, thank you.

 

, , , ,

Alexander Knight & Co sponsors podcast

We are proud to confirm that we are now the official sponsors of the widely-acclaimed podcast ‘Before the Bar Opens’ hosted by the award-winning voiceover artist and composer Emma Clarke.

Before the Bar Opens is a podcast about what happens before the music starts.

What has to happen before people can hear, play and enjoy music? How do the people involved with its creation feel about music? Why is it central to their lives? How has music influenced them and shaped their experiences?

The answer to those questions is…surprising.

Emma Clarke, the creator of Before the Bar Opens is a long-standing client of our practice. As host, she interviews a broad range of people who make, use and love music. The podcast is produced by Rik Watson.

As keen supporters of the performing arts and ardent music lovers we are pleased to support this podcast.

Some members of our team even feature in a series of small cameos between the episodes, where they are only too happy to discuss their own passion for music & what it means to them. (See whose voices you can recognise!)

The podcast can be streamed on all the major platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Check it out here

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We are delighted to support this podcast. We have known Emma Clarke for a long time and we know the quality of her work as a recording artist, voiceover artist and presenter is first class. We are proud to be associated with the production of this podcast.”  

, ,

Alexander Knight & Co forms strategic alliance with specialist tax advisory firm

We are pleased to have extended our specialist tax advisory service by forming a strategic alliance with a fellow MGI Worldwide member firm.

Freestone Jacobs is a leading specialist tax advisory firm founded by Paul Taylor together with Allison Walker. Paul in particular has over 35 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Advisor and will enhance the strategic planning for clients in a range of scenarios including mergers, acquisitions and restructuring.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“There is a natural fit between our two practices as a result of us both being member firms of MGI Worldwide, the global network of accountants. It means that as our client base grows, both in terms of size and sophistication, we can be confident that we are continuing to provide the appropriate level of tax specialism that our clients both need and expect from us.

“We’re being innovative and ambitious with our growth and development in 2022 and we’re dedicated to working with and hiring the best people in the accountancy marketplace. We’re enjoying working with Paul and Allison and we’re looking forward to building on this relationship to bring the benefits of their experience to our range of entrepreneurial clients.”

Paul Taylor, founder of Freestone Jacobs, said:

“Allison and I are delighted to be working with Murray and his colleagues and look forward to providing a bespoke solution to the particular requirements of the Alexander Knight & Co clients, as they undertake significant business transactions or transformation. We’ve already formed a good working relationship and it helps that we have the same vision for providing the accountancy expertise required by the modern business owner.”

If you – or your client – requires specialist tax advice involving a merger, acquisition or restructure or other significant business transaction – contact us now on (0161) 980 8788 or email murray@alexanderknightacountants.co.uk

Murray Patt of Alexander Knight & Co

, ,

Welcome to our latest audit clients

We are pleased to confirm we have been appointed by three leading businesses as their audit accountants. You can find out more about Selwyns Travel, Lumenpulse UK and Think Hire by clicking on the links below.

Our audit enables us to spot potential risks, find ways of boosting performance, and suggest ideas for growth.

We don’t just regard an audit as a single annual visit. For us, the face-to-face contact and information we collect is an integral part of an ongoing flow of knowledge. We use this to keep our clients well-informed and confident in their business decisions based on solid financial foundation.

When we have completed our work, we provide a comprehensive, accessible summary of the audit findings and arrange a meeting to discuss in detail these and any other issues. For more information about our audit service click here.