HAT Group 2026 graduate opportunities

• Name: Elrina

I studied BSc Business Administration at the University of Bath. I knew I wanted to continue my education which is why I was interested in studying towards the ACA. The interview process at HAT was straightforward and personal. Apart from interviewing me to see if I was a suitable candidate Anna also ensured to listen to my needs and wants. Anna recommended me to F. W. Smith Riches & Co because my goals aligned with the firm’s values, which was absolutely true. I have been with the firm for almost 3 years, and I couldn’t have picked a better firm to work for.

The ACA is a challenging journey because you need to balance studying for exams at the same time as having a full-time job. However, HAT has supported me throughout my training contract by providing various courses. These courses include both technical skills and soft skills such as becoming a better senior to other trainees.

By applying for a job through HAT, you are given an opportunity not only to achieve the ACA but also enjoy the journey and work in a supportive environment.

• Name: Marcus

My name is Marcus and I joined Beavis Morgan following my graduation from the University of Southampton with an Economics degree. I initially applied to HAT due to my desire to complete the ACA exams at a small to medium size firm after a discussion with a family friend regarding the benefits which come with working at a smaller firm.

My experience of applying to HAT was very positive. I had my initial interview with Anna Boast who gave me numerous tips on how to improve my interview technique ahead of my interview with Beavis Morgan. This helped settle my nerves and ensure I was fully prepared for my final interview.

A key benefit of working for a HAT firm is the exposure you gain to a wide range of audit testing and clients at an early stage. I feel this has contributed to me becoming a well-rounded accountant and enabled me to apply the technical content I studied at college to my day-to-day work. Another key aspect of working for a HAT firm is the friendly and nurturing environment within the office. This is invaluable when training as it enables you to feel comfortable in asking questions to the people around you, which is key especially when undertaking the ACA exams.

The exams themselves are challenging, particularly when attempting to balance a social life with studying, however the support from the staff and other trainees at work made it much more manageable. I believe that it is crucial to plan your study schedule in advance to ensure you are able to maintain a work-life balance and incorporate some exercise which will contribute to reducing stress during the lead up to exams.

• Name: Jamie

Hello, my name is Jamie, and I am an ACA trainee with Wilder Coe Ltd. I joined Wilder Coe through the HAT recruitment process in 2024, after spending 3 years at the University of Exeter studying Business and Management. When I decided that I wanted to take my ACA exams I knew that a smaller sized firm would be right for me, being able to work closely with clients and a more valued member of the team.

My first month was split between two weeks of college studying for the accounting and assurance exams, and two weeks of practical training put on by HAT. This was a great introduction the world of accounting, especially for me who hadn’t learnt much about the profession during my degree. This put me in good position when it came to my first day in the office, as I felt like I had a good idea of what was expected of me, and how to perform my role.

As an Audit Junior, I work as part of a small team, usually between 3-5 people, made up of partners, managers and seniors. My role varies from client to client, depending on the specific needs of the job. Typically, I will be working on specific areas of the audit, with more senior colleagues reviewing my work. This gives me an element of freedom, with structured feedback networks allowing me to develop my understanding of the work.

As an employee of a HAT firm, I have started my journey alongside a number of trainees at different firms, getting to know lots of them through the first month of college. Since then, I have been able to keep in touch with them and compare experiences. Events such as the HAT quiz give an opportunity to socialise in a more relaxed setting and create friendships outside of my own company.

Although there is a lot of revision needed to pass the ACA exams, it has never overwhelmed me. I think that this is due to there being good systems in place for separating work and college time, as well as the limited amount of overtime expected of me from my company. This means that there is time in the evenings and at weekends to do enough revision, while still doing the things that I love to do in my free time.

Over the last 9 months there have been plenty of ups and downs. It is a long qualification and sometimes can feel overwhelming, however each exam passed is a step closer to qualification. It is a really rewarding process in this sense, and the opportunity to work alongside like-minded trainees makes the day-to-day work environment a great place to be.