Careers
Ward Goodman Career Opportunities
Ward Goodman has a strong, local reputation and provides a stimulating environment in which to build a rewarding career.
Whether you are just starting your journey or furthering your career path, we are dedicated to supporting, guiding and investing in your career development. We offer you the chance to thrive and the opportunity to progress your career while assisting you to attain any necessary qualifications.
We are especially proud to offer opportunities for students and recent graduates who are ready to grow their careers with us.
Current Vacancies
Overview:
The position is divided into two clear areas, firstly to lead and supervise the Administration team, together with ongoing services to clients. The second element of the role is as an Administrator, providing dedicated support to Client Service Managers where required.
Major Responsibilities
Head of Administration
- To lead the administration team to deliver a high standard of technical administrative support and a world class customer service within the accountancy services team in line with company EPIC strategies, policies and procedures.
- To manage the administrative workflow and supervise some short and medium term projects
- To assess the current admin processes and procedures, to improve them on an ongoing basis
- To seek opportunities for continuous improvements in communication across the department and the group
- Ensure over-arching Processes and procedures are followed and a consistent approach is adopted by all individual administrators within the team
- Provide management information to senior management, to include workflow assessments, resource requirements, team time management, client categorisation, file reviews and inconsistencies
- Admin projects design, implementation and monitoring
- To manage information and back office system
- To analyse information received from each source to ensure all information requested has been received.
- To work closely with the lead Administrator in Financial Services to provide a seamless client journey throughout the group.
Administrator
- To deliver high standard technical administrative support and a world class customer service across the group in line with company strategies, policies and procedures.
- To maintain client confidentiality, data protection and other legislative and organisational responsibilities.
- To project a highly professional and friendly image to the company’s clients, visitors and other contacts
- To be flexible and tackle a variety of administrative tasks on behalf of the team
- Arranging meetings with clients on behalf of CSMs
- Sending confirmation of appointment emails/letters.
- Prepare for meetings by pulling together all mandatory documentation and producing reports of a very high standard.
- Updating electronic files, policy details & data to ensure accurate reporting.
- Review meeting notes and record actions post meeting.
- Work within the time scales of the processes and procedures
Experience:
- 5 – 8 years experience in Accountancy Service with a proven track record in exceeding corporate and client expectations.
- Proven managerial experience, motivating and leading teams within a accountancy services environment.
- Experience of dealing with Solicitors, financial Planners and other professional introducers and establishing effective working relationships.
- Proven track record gained within a driven and enthusiastic working environment.
- Experience of presenting to individuals and groups effectively delivering on products and services.
- Able to demonstrate a track record of successfully dealing with colleagues at all levels within a group.
Education:
- Looking to work towards further industry and role technical knowledge and development
Personal Characteristics:
- An effective communicator
- An effective motivator and team leader, clearly setting an example for others to follow.
- Technically strong
- Well developed people skills
- Strong time management skills able to multi-task and to manage a diverse range of tasks.
- A good organiser
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact well with a cross section of people.
Competencies
- Consistently meet department and group objectives
- Develop and retain a highly motivated team that is results focussed
- Highly developed relationships with other departments within the group
- Consistently maintain levels of knowledge
- Administrative department is fully compliant.
- Comply with the relevant Compliance and Financial Crime Procedures of the firm at all times
- Working knowledge of accountancy software
- Working knowledge of Microsoft suite of software
Reporting Structure
Reporting directly to Accountancy Services Leadership team with responsibility for the direct supervision and successful operation of the Accountancy Services Administrative Team.
A position profile does not imply that the duties stated are the only ones to be performed by the incumbent. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction as requested by their manager.
Please send your application to Rachel Hunt at rachel.hunt@wardgoodman.co.uk.
Overview:
The position is divided into two clear areas, firstly to lead and supervise the Administration team, together with ongoing services to clients. The second element of the role is as an Administrator, providing dedicated support to Client Service Managers where required.
Major Responsibilities
Head of Administration
- To lead the administration team to deliver a high standard of technical administrative support and a world class customer service within the accountancy services team in line with company EPIC strategies, policies and procedures.
- To manage the administrative workflow and supervise some short and medium term projects
- To assess the current admin processes and procedures, to improve them on an ongoing basis
- To seek opportunities for continuous improvements in communication across the department and the group
- Ensure over-arching Processes and procedures are followed and a consistent approach is adopted by all individual administrators within the team
- Provide management information to senior management, to include workflow assessments, resource requirements, team time management, client categorisation, file reviews and inconsistencies
- Admin projects design, implementation and monitoring
- To manage information and back office system
- To analyse information received from each source to ensure all information requested has been received.
- To work closely with the lead Administrator in Financial Services to provide a seamless client journey throughout the group.
Administrator
- To deliver high standard technical administrative support and a world class customer service across the group in line with company strategies, policies and procedures.
- To maintain client confidentiality, data protection and other legislative and organisational responsibilities.
- To project a highly professional and friendly image to the company’s clients, visitors and other contacts
- To be flexible and tackle a variety of administrative tasks on behalf of the team
- Arranging meetings with clients on behalf of CSMs
- Sending confirmation of appointment emails/letters.
- Prepare for meetings by pulling together all mandatory documentation and producing reports of a very high standard.
- Updating electronic files, policy details & data to ensure accurate reporting.
- Review meeting notes and record actions post meeting.
- Work within the time scales of the processes and procedures
Experience:
- 5 – 8 years experience in Accountancy Service with a proven track record in exceeding corporate and client expectations.
- Proven managerial experience, motivating and leading teams within a accountancy services environment.
- Experience of dealing with Solicitors, financial Planners and other professional introducers and establishing effective working relationships.
- Proven track record gained within a driven and enthusiastic working environment.
- Experience of presenting to individuals and groups effectively delivering on products and services.
- Able to demonstrate a track record of successfully dealing with colleagues at all levels within a group.
Education:
- Looking to work towards further industry and role technical knowledge and development
Personal Characteristics:
- An effective communicator
- An effective motivator and team leader, clearly setting an example for others to follow.
- Technically strong
- Well developed people skills
- Strong time management skills able to multi-task and to manage a diverse range of tasks.
- A good organiser
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact well with a cross section of people.
Competencies
- Consistently meet department and group objectives
- Develop and retain a highly motivated team that is results focussed
- Highly developed relationships with other departments within the group
- Consistently maintain levels of knowledge
- Administrative department is fully compliant.
- Comply with the relevant Compliance and Financial Crime Procedures of the firm at all times
- Working knowledge of accountancy software
- Working knowledge of Microsoft suite of software
Reporting Structure
Reporting directly to Accountancy Services Leadership team with responsibility for the direct supervision and successful operation of the Accountancy Services Administrative Team.
A position profile does not imply that the duties stated are the only ones to be performed by the incumbent. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction as requested by their manager.
Please send your application to Rachel Hunt at rachel.hunt@wardgoodman.co.uk.
Overview:
Join Ward Goodman as a Private Client Tax Senior, managing a diverse portfolio of business owners, property investors, HNW/UHNW families, trusts, and estates. As the key point of contact, you’ll ensure seamless service delivery while providing expert tax compliance, planning, and advisory services. You’ll play a crucial role in client relationship management, business development, and upholding the highest professional standards.
Key Responsibilities:
· Client Relationship Management – Serve as the primary advisor, delivering exceptional service and proactive tax planning.
· Portfolio Oversight – Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth clients, ensuring compliance and timely completion of tax-related tasks.
· Tax Advisory & Compliance – Prepare reports and letters providing expert guidance on Income Tax, IHT, CGT, and other tax matters.
· Regulatory & Group Standards – Conduct regular client reviews, year-end tax planning, and ensure full regulatory compliance.
· Business Development – Identify and generate new client opportunities, promoting Ward Goodman’s full suite of services.
· Company Representation – Act as a trusted ambassador, upholding professional ethics and driving company initiatives.
· Proven experience in a similar role, managing private client tax matters.
· ATT or CTA qualified, with strong technical knowledge and a commitment to continuous learning.
· Highly organised, able to manage multiple deadlines, particularly during the tax return compliance cycle.
· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish long-term client relationships.
If you’re a motivated tax professional with a client-first mindset, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us at recruitment@wardgoodman.co.uk
Overview:
Join Ward Goodman as a Private Client Tax Senior, managing a diverse portfolio of business owners, property investors, HNW/UHNW families, trusts, and estates. As the key point of contact, you’ll ensure seamless service delivery while providing expert tax compliance, planning, and advisory services. You’ll play a crucial role in client relationship management, business development, and upholding the highest professional standards.
Key Responsibilities:
· Client Relationship Management – Serve as the primary advisor, delivering exceptional service and proactive tax planning.
· Portfolio Oversight – Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth clients, ensuring compliance and timely completion of tax-related tasks.
· Tax Advisory & Compliance – Prepare reports and letters providing expert guidance on Income Tax, IHT, CGT, and other tax matters.
· Regulatory & Group Standards – Conduct regular client reviews, year-end tax planning, and ensure full regulatory compliance.
· Business Development – Identify and generate new client opportunities, promoting Ward Goodman’s full suite of services.
· Company Representation – Act as a trusted ambassador, upholding professional ethics and driving company initiatives.
· Proven experience in a similar role, managing private client tax matters.
· ATT or CTA qualified, with strong technical knowledge and a commitment to continuous learning.
· Highly organised, able to manage multiple deadlines, particularly during the tax return compliance cycle.
· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish long-term client relationships.
If you’re a motivated tax professional with a client-first mindset, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us at recruitment@wardgoodman.co.uk
Overview:
Here at Ward Goodman, we offer a Level 3 apprenticeship moving onto a Level 7 apprenticeship within our Audit department. We want enthusiastic and motivated team players who are looking to start a successful career in accountancy. The apprenticeship will allow you to develop your technical knowledge, through study and training with Kaplan (our training provider), whilst also gaining invaluable practical experience working within the audit team. Kaplan are a national training provider who offer the training for all accounting qualifications. This training is fully funded by Ward Goodman and within this training programme you will be assigned a talent coach to help guide you through the entire apprenticeship process.
Working in Audit is an exciting start to an accountancy career as no week is the same as the last. A financial audit is a legal requirement for companies and charities over a certain size. The primary objective is to provide assurance to all users of the financial statements over the information that is being reported. A secondary objective is to provide advice and improvements to our clients organisation to ensure they can operate as effectively as possible. A lot of our time is spent on site interacting with our clients to ensure we can complete our work to the highest standard for them. You would play an important role within the team helping to ensure work is completed on time and to a high standard for our clients.
You will be supported throughout the apprenticeship by all members of the audit team, and we will provide on-the-job training to support your college studies. All members of the team have either completed or are currently working through the apprenticeship process so have first hand experience to assist you. After some initial basic training, you will be working within a team on client work within your first week of being with us.
We believe, with the support of the team around you, this is the best way to learn the initial skills and knowledge to kickstart your accountancy and audit career.
Entry Requirements
Minimum 3 A-levels (or equivalent) at grade A to C predicted.
Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) with Maths level 7 or above and English level 6 or above
Who is Ward Goodman and why join us?
Ward Goodman is a leading South England-based firm of Auditors and Accountants, Financial Planners, Wealth Managers and Tax Advisers focusing on an integrated and holistic service for best results. We tailor our services to best suit our clients whilst also offering fully integrated advice. We take pride in the fact that ‘Your success is our business’ meaning if our clients are succeeding, we are succeeding.
Recently, Ward Goodman was awarded with “Best place to work” by the Ferndown Business Awards 2023. This is felt everyday when we come into work due to the positive atmosphere created by all the friendly staff here at Ward Goodman. We offer a benefits package, which includes a SimplyHealth health plan for all staff members, competitive salary for the role (including bonus scheme) and birthday off.
We are looking for people who want to develop these current skills:
• High standards of numeracy.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Proficient in IT - use of software as required.
• High attention to detail.
• Highly organised.
• Ability to communicate in all media.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Can drive or are learning to drive.
Key responsibilities:
• Carry out jobs and tasks as assigned by line manager.
• Effectively contribute to the team.
• Continue to build relationships with clients.
• Remain within the scope of the work allocated.
• Act in a professional manner, upholding the ethics of the firm, professional regulated bodies and
Company policies and procedures.
• Maintain regulatory and Company standards.
• Maintain an accurate record of chargeable hours.
• Keep the client database up to date.
• Promote all areas of Ward Goodman to existing and new clients.
The post holder may also be asked to support and undertake other related duties not listed in this Job
Description from time to time according to the needs of the business.
Line Manager: Client Service Manager
Location: Ferndown Ward Goodman Office and Client Location
To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@wardgoodman.co.uk and adam.cousins@wardgoodman.co.uk
Apprenticeship applications should be submitted in February and March of each year with the apprenticeship training contract commencing in September providing the necessary academic qualifications are achieved.
Head on over to our website for further information about how to apply.
Overview:
Here at Ward Goodman, we offer a Level 3 apprenticeship moving onto a Level 7 apprenticeship within our Audit department. We want enthusiastic and motivated team players who are looking to start a successful career in accountancy. The apprenticeship will allow you to develop your technical knowledge, through study and training with Kaplan (our training provider), whilst also gaining invaluable practical experience working within the audit team. Kaplan are a national training provider who offer the training for all accounting qualifications. This training is fully funded by Ward Goodman and within this training programme you will be assigned a talent coach to help guide you through the entire apprenticeship process.
Working in Audit is an exciting start to an accountancy career as no week is the same as the last. A financial audit is a legal requirement for companies and charities over a certain size. The primary objective is to provide assurance to all users of the financial statements over the information that is being reported. A secondary objective is to provide advice and improvements to our clients organisation to ensure they can operate as effectively as possible. A lot of our time is spent on site interacting with our clients to ensure we can complete our work to the highest standard for them. You would play an important role within the team helping to ensure work is completed on time and to a high standard for our clients.
You will be supported throughout the apprenticeship by all members of the audit team, and we will provide on-the-job training to support your college studies. All members of the team have either completed or are currently working through the apprenticeship process so have first hand experience to assist you. After some initial basic training, you will be working within a team on client work within your first week of being with us.
We believe, with the support of the team around you, this is the best way to learn the initial skills and knowledge to kickstart your accountancy and audit career.
Entry Requirements
Minimum 3 A-levels (or equivalent) at grade A to C predicted.
Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) with Maths level 7 or above and English level 6 or above
Who is Ward Goodman and why join us?
Ward Goodman is a leading South England-based firm of Auditors and Accountants, Financial Planners, Wealth Managers and Tax Advisers focusing on an integrated and holistic service for best results. We tailor our services to best suit our clients whilst also offering fully integrated advice. We take pride in the fact that ‘Your success is our business’ meaning if our clients are succeeding, we are succeeding.
Recently, Ward Goodman was awarded with “Best place to work” by the Ferndown Business Awards 2023. This is felt everyday when we come into work due to the positive atmosphere created by all the friendly staff here at Ward Goodman. We offer a benefits package, which includes a SimplyHealth health plan for all staff members, competitive salary for the role (including bonus scheme) and birthday off.
We are looking for people who want to develop these current skills:
• High standards of numeracy.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Proficient in IT - use of software as required.
• High attention to detail.
• Highly organised.
• Ability to communicate in all media.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Can drive or are learning to drive.
Key responsibilities:
• Carry out jobs and tasks as assigned by line manager.
• Effectively contribute to the team.
• Continue to build relationships with clients.
• Remain within the scope of the work allocated.
• Act in a professional manner, upholding the ethics of the firm, professional regulated bodies and
Company policies and procedures.
• Maintain regulatory and Company standards.
• Maintain an accurate record of chargeable hours.
• Keep the client database up to date.
• Promote all areas of Ward Goodman to existing and new clients.
The post holder may also be asked to support and undertake other related duties not listed in this Job
Description from time to time according to the needs of the business.
Line Manager: Client Service Manager
Location: Ferndown Ward Goodman Office and Client Location
To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@wardgoodman.co.uk and adam.cousins@wardgoodman.co.uk
Apprenticeship applications should be submitted in February and March of each year with the apprenticeship training contract commencing in September providing the necessary academic qualifications are achieved.
Head on over to our website for further information about how to apply.
Overview:
Following a strong period of growth, we are seeking an experienced full-time para planner to join our
growing team at our head office, which is between Wimborne and Ferndown. Full support will be
provided by the existing para planners and the internal compliance team as well as access to the inhouse expertise of our tax specialists.
The successful candidate will work with our Financial Planners on their high net worth client bank and
the advice will cover a wide range of issues including investment planning, trusts and estate planning,
retirement planning and equity release. A broad knowledge in these areas is required.
We are offering a competitive basic salary plus bonus and other benefits. After successful completion
of the probation period, we would be prepared to offer a hybrid working arrangement.
Full study support is also provided and you will demonstrate your commitment to professional
development by studying professional qualifications as required.
For further details on the role or to apply for the vacancy, please email your CV with a covering letter to
Sophie.Brown@wardgoodman.co.uk
- 5+ years para planning experience
- Level 4 Diploma qualified in financial planning
- Understanding of the full financial planning process
- Strong technical knowledge and the ability to simplify the complex areas of advice
- Ability to work within defined business processes
- Ability to achieve agreed outcomes without supervision
- Ability to multi‐task and prioritise effectively to deliver work within agreed timescales
- Articulate in communication
- Excellent inter‐personal skills, both written and verbal, with team members, providers and
clients. - Good IT skills with working knowledge of MS Office
- Experience working with financial services research tools including FE Analytics
- Excellent report writing skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- A positive, friendly, service orientated person with a “can do” attitude who is aware of the
important role played by a Para planner in providing financial advice - Honesty, integrity and ability to maintain confidence and confidentiality are key attributes
- Hard working and responsive to the need to deliver a high quality support service
- Attention to detail and exceptionally high standards of work
Please e-mail your CV and covering letter to Sophie.Brown@wardgoodman.co.uk
Overview:
Following a strong period of growth, we are seeking an experienced full-time para planner to join our
growing team at our head office, which is between Wimborne and Ferndown. Full support will be
provided by the existing para planners and the internal compliance team as well as access to the inhouse expertise of our tax specialists.
The successful candidate will work with our Financial Planners on their high net worth client bank and
the advice will cover a wide range of issues including investment planning, trusts and estate planning,
retirement planning and equity release. A broad knowledge in these areas is required.
We are offering a competitive basic salary plus bonus and other benefits. After successful completion
of the probation period, we would be prepared to offer a hybrid working arrangement.
Full study support is also provided and you will demonstrate your commitment to professional
development by studying professional qualifications as required.
For further details on the role or to apply for the vacancy, please email your CV with a covering letter to
Sophie.Brown@wardgoodman.co.uk
- 5+ years para planning experience
- Level 4 Diploma qualified in financial planning
- Understanding of the full financial planning process
- Strong technical knowledge and the ability to simplify the complex areas of advice
- Ability to work within defined business processes
- Ability to achieve agreed outcomes without supervision
- Ability to multi‐task and prioritise effectively to deliver work within agreed timescales
- Articulate in communication
- Excellent inter‐personal skills, both written and verbal, with team members, providers and
clients. - Good IT skills with working knowledge of MS Office
- Experience working with financial services research tools including FE Analytics
- Excellent report writing skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- A positive, friendly, service orientated person with a “can do” attitude who is aware of the
important role played by a Para planner in providing financial advice - Honesty, integrity and ability to maintain confidence and confidentiality are key attributes
- Hard working and responsive to the need to deliver a high quality support service
- Attention to detail and exceptionally high standards of work
Please e-mail your CV and covering letter to Sophie.Brown@wardgoodman.co.uk
Applications
Apprenticeship applications should be submitted in February and March each year with the apprentice training contract commencing in September providing the necessary academic qualifications are achieved.
Please apply by sending your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@wardgoodman.co.uk.
