Helen N.
About me
| Helen N. | |
| Mathematics | |
| Mathematics and Finance | |
| Undergraduate | |
| James | |
| 2012 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Accountant/Client Manager | |
| Lishmans LLP | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Finance and consultancy | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) | |
| 2012 | |
| £548 |
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A day in the life of a Accountant/Client Manager in the United Kingdom
Accounting practice client manager and ACCA student.
My career goals when I graduated
To become a chartered accountant, either through ACCA or ACA qualifications.
My career history
I worked first within my mother's family business, which helped my to come out of University with minimal debt. I then started work at my current work immediately after graduation, and after 1 year, was given my first client to manage. 3 years later, I manage around 20 clients and our internal finances.
What has helped my career to progress
Hard work! I'm always willing to work overtime in order to get things done. Also, I have never been afraid to ask for help if I've needed a little guidance.
Courses taken since graduation
I have been studying for my ACCA qualification. I've also taken a number of payroll courses to increase my knowledge.
How my studies have helped my career
My university studies, especially the accounting and finance areas, I use regularly in preparing projections and accounts. They have also gave me a boost in my ACCA qualification through exemptions from several exams.
What surprised me about my career so far
I'm surprised that after 4 years I still look forward to going to work most days, as I love the variety of work, and dealing with clients.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
In 5 years, I hope to be fully qualified, and have more clients to manage.
My advice to students considering work
Get yourself out their and improve your CV by gaining experience in the sector you wish to work in. I did a total of 18 weeks work experience for various companies in my breaks from University! Also, approach a recruitment consultant. They can put you in touch with lots of opportunities, and tailor them to what you want to do most.
Other advice
Make sure your CV stands out from the rest. Don't just list everything you have ever done, and don't stick to the standard phrases of 'I'm hard-working and reliable' etc. Make yourself sound as exciting as possible, so that when a potential employer is reading your CV, they'll put it to the top of the pile - don't lie though!
Contacting me
I'm happy to answer any questions regarding accountancy in practice (I don't have industry experience), and also questions to do with the ACCA qualification, or studying whilst working full time.
What I do
I manage a number of clients, being their primary contact within our company. I prepare accounts, give tax and business advice to both Limited Companies and Sole Traders from a wide variety of business Sectors. I am also responsible for the management and reporting of our internal finances. I am also in the final stages of studying for my ACCA qualification.
Skills I use and how I developed them
My job requires me to have a large amount of knowledge and logical reasoning, and application of this knowledge to various industry sectors. I have developed this over the four years I have worked here through experience, and by listening to senior colleagues and taking on board their advice and observing how they act in certain situations.
What I like most
Giving tax advice, dealing with complex taxation situations and projecting tax liabilities for the future based on budget changes.
What I like least
Studying while working full time - as it is means that you have to sacrifice a large amount of free time!
What surprised me most
How much I'd enjoy helping to develop the trainees and apprentices in our organisation, and how it
Next steps...
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