Why did you decide to pursue a career in accountancy?
I’ve always been fascinated by the world of finance and business. Understanding how companies operate, manage their finances, and grow sustainably has long captured my interest. A career in accountancy strongly appeals to me as it offers a practical, impactful role at the heart of every business.
Accountancy will not only deepen my understanding of how finance underpins strategic decision-making but will also enrich my knowledge of important financial legislation, such as taxation policy. It’s a career that will allow me to connect directly with business owners and gain insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities they face.
One of the most exciting aspects of this path is the opportunity to pursue the highly respected ACA qualification at Level 7, via an apprenticeship route. This means I can earn whilst I learn, gaining real world experience in the workplace, in addition to developing a wide range of essential skills: communication, analytical thinking, self-accountability and teamwork. I’ll be learning from professionals with years of experience, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
For me, accountancy isn’t just a job, it’s a gateway into the wider business world and a career that promises lifelong learning and impact.
What qualifications have I achieved?
My secondary school education took place at Swavesey Village College, where I studied the core subjects – Maths, English, and Science. Alongside this, I was able to study a selection of subjects I was particularly passionate about, such as History, Geography, and Physical Education. This combination of subjects allowed me to explore a wide range of interests while building a solid academic foundation.
After completing my GCSEs, I moved on to Comberton Sixth Form, where I was able to focus more deeply on the subjects that truly sparked my interest: Maths, Business, and History. Although I found A-Levels to be challenging at times, I remained resilient and was proud to achieve qualifications in all three subjects, which further solidified my passion for learning and personal growth.
In addition to my studies, I seized the opportunity to qualify as a STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher. This qualification marked the start of my teaching journey and gave me the chance to work with a diverse group of students. It was incredibly rewarding to pass on my knowledge and skills to others while developing valuable communication and leadership skills.
What does my current role involve?
In my current role, I am responsible for preparing financial accounts for a variety of businesses, including limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships. This involves ensuring that financial statements are accurate and compliant with relevant accounting standards, whilst also ensuring they reflect the true financial position of each business.
I also prepare personal tax returns for clients, which include those with small businesses, employment income, capital gains, and rental income. This requires a detailed understanding of tax regulations and how they apply to each client’s unique financial situation.
Working as part of a team is a key aspect of my role, where I collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. I am constantly improving my skills through organisation, communication, and asking questions to deepen my learning and understanding of complex accounting principles.
What future plans do I have?
In the future, I plan to remain at Price Bailey and complete my ACA qualification, which will further enhance my technical skills and provide me with a solid foundation for my career in accountancy. Achieving this qualification is an important step towards becoming an expert in my field and positioning myself for greater responsibilities within the firm.
Looking further ahead, I would love to specialise in IT or biomedical finance. My goal is to eventually work as a Financial Director within a start-up company. This would provide me with the opportunity to contribute to building financial structures from the ground up in an emerging business. I’m particularly interested in deepening my understanding of financial instruments like company share option schemes, as I find the intersection of finance and business incredibly exciting.
Ultimately, I am aiming to be in a position where I can combine my technical expertise in accountancy with my passion for business strategy to have a real impact on a company’s financial success.
What advice can I give?
My advice is to always work hard and put in the extra time to really understand your work. Going the extra mile not only helps you gain a deeper understanding but also shows your managers that you’re committed, and it’s something that’s truly appreciated.
Show a genuine interest in what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask as many as you need and then ask some more. This will help you learn faster and ensure you’re doing things right from the start.
Most importantly, remember that being a “people person” is key, especially in accountancy. While the technical side of the job can be number-heavy, building strong relationships, both internally within your team and externally with clients, is crucial. As the role of AI continues to evolve and take over more of the routine admin tasks, the ability to advise, connect, and communicate will become even more important. Developing these interpersonal skills will be a significant asset going forward.
