Job Application Advice - Trainee Accountant

[u/TheCollinder]

Hi Everyone, first time posting on this subreddit.

I am a trainee accountant, 22 years old, and am currently looking to find a role in a local accountancy firm.

I've found the job hunting process to be really frustrating recently. Most firms I have applied to, prefer a candidate to have a year's worth of practice experience, or prior experience in another aspect of accounting such as auditing. I have 3 and a half years' experience working in industry.

I had worked in practice as a trainee accountant. However, due to lack of support and my own understanding of completing certain jobs, I was let go during my probationary period.

A recent casestudy, is that I applied for a local trainee role. Everything, from the AAT level required (Level 3/4 AAT), the location, and what they taught was very well suited. I was told as such by their AI assistant, that reviews the applications.

However, frustratingly in the job description, the client is said to prefer prior auditing experience. Hence, I was told by a member of the recruitment company that they wanted a candidate with experience in auditing. I have queried this in a follow up email, regarding potential auditing training, but I am not hopeful this will work.

I find it really aggravating that firms prefer this level of experience, when it is a trainee role specifically designed so candidates can learn.

Any advice on this matter, would be fabulous.

Thank you very much.