What are your career plans?
A question that strikes fear into any graduate’s heart. I became an expert at avoiding the question, knowing who to avoid and when not to make eye contact. After four years of Engineering at university, I knew that it was not the career for me and so I was stuck in a position many of us know well. It was really going through the application process at Blick Rothenberg that made me decide that accountancy would be my future.
Why did you choose a job in this profession?
I love learning and I believe that the ACA qualification provides a great framework for the development of technical skills which ensures strong career prospects. I have previously worked in Data Analytics and felt that I began to stagnate and for the good of my career it would be best if I moved on.
How did you get your job at Blick Rothenberg?
The role was recommended to me by a friend who began a year earlier, I applied quite late in August 2018 and had to complete most of the online testing while on holiday in Barcelona. However, within a couple of weeks I moved to London to start my new job at Blick Rothenberg. The website provided great information on what they are looking for and provided guidance for the questions in the application process.
What was the application process like – any advice?
The application process consisted of online tests, a video interview and an assessment day which included two face-to-face interviews with managers and partners at the company. It is important to read up on the different accounting qualifications and making sure the ACA is right for you.
My main advice is to be confident! If you have managed to get passed the initial application stage and online tests, you have the ability to do the job, the rest of the process is about showing your personality and why you would be a great addition to the team at Blick Rothenberg.
What are your main duties/roles?
As a junior, I attend audits with seniors and complete the simpler parts of the testing. This includes testing sales, purchases and wages. I also prepare sets of accounts which are to be filed with Companies House.
In my short time at Blick Rothenberg, I have been to a variety of clients ranging from investment funds to dog food companies. I believe the variety of clients Blick Rothenberg work with provides a great environment to learn and it keeps the job engaging.
There is also time spent in college for my exams as well as training and soft skills sessions to help adjust to the new environment.
What skills are useful in this sector/profession?
I believe the most important skill for an accountant is communication. In a highly specialised field such as this, technical language can often be lost in translation and leave a client confused. Being able to communicate effectively can really differentiate you from your peers.
Being part of the Audit department means teamwork is required. On the day to day you will be working in small teams for long periods and so being able to work together effectively is vital.
What would you like to achieve in the future?
Currently, my main goal is completing the ACA qualification and becoming a fully qualified chartered accountant. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Audit team at Blick Rothenberg and can see myself remaining as part of the team in the future.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry?
Be prepared to work hard, I often find myself working a full day in the office and return home to study in the evenings for my ACA exams. It can be intense and sometimes tiring but the positives of being a fully qualified chartered accountant far outweigh the negatives.
