Why Join HAT?

HAT is a training consortium of 60 small to medium-sized firms of accountants. HAT recruits ACA & ACCA trainees on behalf of our full member firms, which range in size from just 3 partners and 15 professional staff, up to 30 partners and over 150 professional staff. For details of some of our member firms please see below.

Joining a HAT firm means you will get the very best of both worlds; early responsibility that comes from training with a small or medium-sized firm as well as a highly reputable training package. HAT are totally committed to your development. You will be joining a well-recognised, three-year chartered accountancy training programme coordinated by HAT. We look after student administration and oversee your professional exam training for the ICAEW exams with one of the leading accountancy tuition centres. Full paid study leave is given and approximately 24 weeks are spent at tutors during your training contract. As well as passing the exams, you will also attend high quality practical courses, which are written and run by HAT. These courses will teach you how to carry out efficient practical work.

It’s not all about courses; you will have a lot to learn in the workplace too. We will ensure you get the right mix of practical experience and early recognition and responsibility. You won’t spend months on one section of the same audit. You will soon be responsible for completing a whole range of assignments including accountancy, audit and giving business advice to a wide variety of clients. You will receive support every step of the way from exam tutors, colleagues, your training partner and from the HAT team; that’s why on average, 88% of our students pass first time.

Selection Procedure

Our selection procedure comprises of an application form, an aptitude test, a video interview and a first round competency interview at the HAT office in London. If we think you’ve got what it takes to be an exceptional accountant we will then recommended you to those member firms to which we believe you would be best suited. You will be required to visit them for a final interview, so completing the selection procedure. One application to HAT means you will be considered for all trainee vacancies within the group.

Vacancies & Location

We have up to 50 roles each year. We have two intakes in January and August of each year. When we are recruiting for January roles, we accept applications 4 months in advance i.e. from the beginning of September.  When we are recruiting for August roles, we accept applications from the start of the year i.e. 7 months in advance. We do not have a fixed closing date, we will stop accepting applications when the roles are filled. Most vacancies are in central London, but there are also occasional opportunities in Essex and greater London.