Trainee Accountant Review

My main responsibility is to complete the monthly bookkeeping for clients in a range of industries. I use a variety of different software to process their sales and purchase invoices, as well as process bank transactions. For one client in particular, I raise their sales invoices and maintain their credit control function. A few times a month I will visit clients at their own office. This helps to maintain a strong working relationship but it also gives us an opportunity to observe their internal processes whilst on site, and we then use our expertise to advise on possible improvements that they can make.

My communication skills have definitely improve whilst in this role, I have much more confidence when speaking to management and to clients. I have been exposed to many more networking opportunities than I would have normally and this has helped considerably. Working in a professional environment, I am constantly learning and developing transferrable skills such as organisation and team work.

I really enjoy this role and think this was a much better fit for me as opposed to university. You are constantly learning from your colleagues and taking on extra responsibilities, and receiving continuous feed that helps you to improve within your role. However, working full time hours alongside studying can be challenging.

My course is really well organised. We get our college dates months in advance so we can plan our workload, and have a designated contact within the firm that help you organise everything with your college. The exams are nicely spaced out with tuition, but the programme can sometimes be inflexible.

The firm will make sure you have help when you ask for it. If you are struggling with studying alongside work, they will arrange extra support for you. There are several colleagues that have done the same programme in the past so they can be a great help when you have any queries.

The tutors are more than happy to help you on any topics that you find difficult. They are also really responsive to emails so even when you are revising from home, you know you can find support if you need it. They are really accommodating and they offer a professional working environment.

The skills days they hold are very relevant to the workplace and are geared towards helping you develop skills like leadership that are transferable. When building your portfolio of written evidence, it helps you reflect on your role at work and how you can improve. The courses can also give you a better understanding of the role of your colleagues, even if you do not complete the same work yet.

Every so often sports matches will be arranged that are open to all departments to participate in. We also have work socials and pizza nights to encourage you to build new relationships with colleagues in other departments. Each department also has their own annual 'away day' where staff go off site to take part in team building activities.

Yes

This firm is always keen to progress their staff, and with the growth rate, you are often exposed to new work and new people. Their are a variety of things you can get involved with to expand your role, for example organising events with the CSR team or helping to co-ordinate charity events.

Don't be afraid to show your interests and your hobbies Any related work experience or extra curricular activities highlights your interest in the industry and is a great topic for conversation in interviews Make sure you do your research on the role you are applying for to make sure it will be a good fit for you, and it also shows you have considered your application carefully