Swindon Office
About Emma
What did you study prior to starting your role? Was this at sixth form or university?
Maths, Economics and Geography at Sixth Form.
Why have you chosen a career in accountancy?
I have always been interested in numbers and wanted to gain a qualification without going to university. I attended UHY Ross Brooke for work experience and enjoyed the work so I was lucky to secure a training contract the following year.
About Emma’s job / training
What is your role and which team do you predominantly work in?
Accounts and VAT. My role is to manage my own VAT caseload, preparing work from start to finish. I also prepare accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited company’s. More recently I have been preparing personal tax returns.
Is there a typical day at UHY Ross Brooke? What does it look like for you?
There is not a typical day at UHY Ross Brooke as working in practice each client has different needs. Some days can be filled with client meetings assisting with accounting software and others can be more focused working on year end accounts.
What type of training are you undertaking and how long will it last?
I am currently studying for my final ICAEW ACA exams which are in July 2021. The ACA training contract is 3 years long, but prior to this I also studied AAT for 3 years. These exams gave me a solid foundation (and even exemptions) for my earlier ACA exams.
What mentor support is provided to ensure you have an opportunity to succeed in your exams and your role?
I am an ACA apprentice studying with First Intuition. They have an excellent team of tutors who are supportive in providing additional around the clock help to pass exams. I also have a skills coach where I have quarterly meetings, alongside a Director, to discuss what I have been up to as well as the new opportunities I will be part of in the next quarter. This ensures constant development and progression in my career.
Tell us about your team, your close colleagues.
The Swindon Accountants Office is a close-knit team who work together to share knowledge and meet deadlines. It is particularly important to have a team you can leave work with while you are out on study leave.
Have you been given an opportunity to get to know any of the Partners?
I work closely with the Partners on a day to day basis, one of the best parts of the job. The Partners make you feel very involved enabling you to have experience of more complex scenarios.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to provide help and support to local small businesses. For example, improving their processes so they can be more efficient and providing additional information which helps them improve cash flow to help them be more successful.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
There can sometimes be pressure to complete work by a filing deadline if a client has been uncooperative. Therefore, I have to remain focused when working under pressure. On the upside, it is very rewarding when the client recognises that you have gone out of your way to ensure the work is completed on time.
About the company
What attracted you to UHY Ross Brooke in the first place and what makes the firm stand out for you as an exceptional / good employer?
By securing work experience at UHY Ross Brooke prior to my employment I could tell it was a good working environment. I learned that UHY Ross Brooke has a varied client base, from tiny subcontractors to larger corporate firms. This gives you exposure to all types of industries as well as being involved in different aspects throughout the firm, eg VAT, Accounts, Tax and Payroll.
Tell us about the working environment at UHY Ross Brooke?
The office is very friendly and has a family-like feeling.
Why would you recommend joining the UHY Ross Brooke team as a trainee accountant?
They are a supportive but challenging team. They are understanding when it comes to study leave, making sure study is a priority. However, at times where you are not studying UHY Ross Brooke push you out of your comfort zone to develop new skills.
And finally
What are your ambitions here at UHY Ross Brooke? Where and what do you aspire to be in the future?
After I qualify, I am going to continue developing my career with UHY Ross Brooke. Initially I am going to focus on becoming a Manager, being responsible completely for my own case load of work.
Next steps
Take a look at our current Vacancies, or meet more of our trainee accountants.
Why UHY Ross Brooke?
UHY Ross Brooke is a Top 20 firm of Chartered Accountants based in Newbury, Abingdon, Hungerford and Swindon. We are ambitious people, united in our mission to be exceptional accountants and business advisers delivering seamlessly integrated client service.
Through our UHY network we harness global intelligence and combine this with local presence and knowledge to share technical and commercial insight.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package & private health care
- Friendly and supportive environment
- UHY network partner
- Hybrid working (where possible)
