CA Training

At Campbell Dallas we recognise that our most valuable asset is our staff and the future success of the firm is dependent on them. Consequently our recruitment philosophy is aimed at ensuring that we recruit the right people for the firm, train them and then retain them.

The philosophy applies at all levels but special attention is taken to ensure that we recruit the highest quality graduate trainees for our ICAS vacancies.

Our normal annual intake firm wide is 6 graduates for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) qualification. We recognise that there is life outside accountancy and will consider applicants with non accredited degrees – the most important criteria is that the applicant matches our employee profile, rather than having a first class honours degree in accountancy.

The recruitment process comprises an online test followed by a one day attendance at an assessment centre.

The second stage in the process is our graduate training over the three year duration of the contract.

Typically year one is taken up with “learning the ropes” about the firm’s procedures allied to attending ICAS classes – and sitting exams! We appreciate that a knowledge of basic bookkeeping is essential and you will be sent on an introductory week long course to obtain this basic knowledge. Continuing training on the firm’s practices and procedures is provided on an ongoing basis, mainly through contact with senior staff involved on the assignment. We recognise that we are in a “people” market and are keen for you to be exposed to meeting and dealing with clients, so there is also the opportunity to work out the office on assignments at clients’ premises. As well as this there may be possible secondments to our Taxation and Corporate Recovery Departments for experience in other disciplines.

Year two sees a step up in responsibility; where in year one you were the rookie, this will change in year two and you should see a greater degree of responsibility and client contact, with the possibility of secondments to a different department. Formal training in the second year is also very much based on ICAS class attendance for the exams, prior to sitting the finals at the start of year three. The firm does run various internal and external courses you would attend if relevant.

Year three should see a further step up in responsibility. By this time you should have completed your studying and passed the final exam. At this stage we are expecting you to have developed sufficient knowledge and commercial awareness to be able to manage, under supervision, a selected portfolio of clients, with people working under you. Further ongoing training is provided through attendance at various internal and external courses.

And what happens now?

Our recruitment policy is not based merely on employing you, training you, have you pass the exams and then move on when the contract term is over. Far from it, we see our graduate recruitment policy as a stepping stone for the continuing development of the firm as a whole. We are fast growing practice with service provision outwith general practice and there are significant career opportunities. Having invested in the right staff we want to see you progress to the top in Campbell Dallas and not just move on when your contract expires.