Three new recruits mark Carpenter Box annual trainee programme
Carpenter Box, an award-winning firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers in Sussex, has welcomed three new trainees to mark the start of its annual training programme.
Each academic year, Carpenter Box hosts an ongoing stream of recruitment for trainee positions at its offices in Worthing, Crawley and Brighton, with 21 trainees joining over the previous 12 months. They currently employ a grand total of 43 trainees at the firm, making up more than 20% of its overall workforce.
A warm welcome
University graduates Alex Paddley and Shaha Choudhury, and undergraduate Farhan Nibrash, joined the firm’s Worthing office on Monday 6 September with no previous experience in the finance industry.
Trainees are recruited into departments such as tax, audit and assurance, and business services, with the potential to rotate depending on demand, while they work to gain qualifications. These qualifications include Chartered Accountant (ACA), Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).
They also have access to apprenticeship schemes which, alongside traditional qualifications, provide opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills and behaviour such as problem-solving and communication.


James Gawman, Training Director at Carpenter Box, said:
“Over the course of the training programme, recruits are granted study leave and have bi-annual meetings with a senior partner and me to discuss progress and exam planning.
Those taking part in apprenticeship schemes are also involved in soft skill workshop days and partner with coaches from our chosen training provider, who act as mentors throughout their development.
Those taking part in apprenticeship schemes are also involved in soft skill workshop days and partner with coaches from our chosen training provider, who act as mentors throughout their development.“
Carpenter Box prides itself on a culture which leads to high levels of employee retention and long-term progression opportunities. James recently joined the firm’s managing partner Alan Edwards in celebrating over 25 years at the firm after both started out as trainees in the 1990s.
James added:
“I have been able to fulfil numerous ambitions with Carpenter Box and look at the firm as one big family who are there to support your goals and provide exciting opportunities into your future. It really is one of the best out there.”
Good luck to all of our new recruits and trainees from your new colleagues here at Carpenter Box!