Work Life At Churchgates

I joined Churchgates to become a Financial Planning Trainee as a school leaver after my A-Levels and have had a genuinely positive and rewarding experience from the outset. The supportive team environment, structured training, and exposure to real client work have allowed me to develop both my technical knowledge and professional confidence. The people I work with are always very helpful and friendly and the atmosphere is a nice balance of work and social. Churchgates funded my training fees and since joining I have earnt my Financial Planning and Mortgage Adviser qualifications and I am now studying for my Chartered Financial Planning qualification. As a result of these qualifications, I am now a Junior Paraplanner, focusing on the more technical aspects of the role and I look forward to continuing to grow within the firm.

I started at Churchgates a little over six months ago after finishing university, and from the start the team has been friendly and approachable. There is always someone willing to explain things or offer guidance. I’ve been involved in practical tasks from early on, working independently but with support whenever I need it. As I’ve gained experience, I’ve been given more responsibility. I often receive feedback after larger tasks, which helps me develop. The variety in my day‑to‑day work keeps the role interesting and means I’m always learning something new. I’m also working towards my Diploma in Financial Planning, which Churchgates supports by providing study leave for my exams and covering the cost of my study materials. I can choose when I sit my exams, which takes the pressure off and allows me to progress at my own pace. It’s genuinely a great working environment where work–life balance is encouraged. Overall, Churchgates is a great place for anyone looking to build their career in a supportive environment that encourages professional growth without unnecessary pressure.

The past six months as a trainee in the accounts department at Churchgates have been incredibly rewarding. From day one, I was welcomed into a supportive team that encouraged my growth and development, taking on real responsibility whilst also furthering my skills through studying for the ACA-CTA Joint Programme. The firm’s collaborative environment has made me feel genuinely valued despite being a new starter, and I am excited to continue progressing my career at Churchgates.

Since joining Churchgates a few months ago, I have already learnt so much and have gained experience working with a wide range of colleagues and clients. As an older trainee, I was a little apprehensive about how I would fit in, but I was made to feel welcome and part of the team from day one. Even though I joined at a busy time in the year, colleagues still took time out of their own hectic schedules to explain things to me. Training support is excellent, with paid study leave for exams, revision and tuition.

I joined Churchgates in September 2022 as an accounts trainee after a career change. I had dithered over whether a career in accountancy was right for me because I have children with additional needs and I’d read stories of antisocial hours, stress and work life imbalance associated with the industry - however, coming to train at Churchgates was the best decision I could’ve made. I chose to study the ACA/CTA joint pathway and I am encouraged to study at a rate that fits in with my other commitments, rather than being pushed through as quickly as possible at the expense of my personal life. The tuition we receive is brilliant and alongside that I get real life work experience alongside industry specialists which has improved my skills and knowledge beyond anything I can read in a book. I absolutely love my new career direction and I don’t think I could’ve achieved what I have without an employer as supportive as Churchgates.

I joined Churchgates as a tax trainee after graduating from university and I felt welcomed into the firm and into the tax ream from the outset. As a trainee, Churchgates have enrolled me onto training courses, provided me study time to complete mock exams and time off before exams to help support my revision. Within the tax team, we get to work on a variety of taxes, and we get to see a lot of what we study in practice. We are encouraged to progress at our own pace and there has always been support from the team.

I joined Churchgates in February 2025, and it’s been a really supportive place to begin my career. Balancing full‑time work with accountancy exams has been demanding, but the team here are so generous with their time and teaching that it's really made things feel much easier to handle! I've also really enjoyed the variety of work; the broad mix of clients and specialisms within the team that I’ve been able to develop a lot of skills and encounter areas (such as trusts and farms) that I wouldn't have otherwise. The social events like the summer and winter parties are great as you get to spend time with people you don't see that often. Overall I've felt really challenged and am motivated and ready to take on more as I go.