Hungerford Office
About Isobel
What did you study prior to starting your role? Was this at sixth form or university?
I studied Business studies, Sociology and Geography at sixth form which then led to me starting a Business and Management degree at university. After completing the first year at university and with the covid pandemic starting, I decided I wanted to start working and gain professional qualifications at the same time.
Why have you chosen a career in accountancy?
I have always liked logical maths and I’m very organised so accountancy seemed like the best career for me.
About Isobel’s job / training
What is your role and which team do you predominantly work in?
I am based in Hungerford office, and I mainly prepare year end accounts, VAT returns, corporation tax returns and personal tax returns. I am also part of the SRA accounts rules audit team.
Is there a typical day at UHY Ross Brooke? What does it look like for you?
There is never a typical day at UHY Ross Brooke, my work greatly depends on deadlines coming up and what work the partners need most urgently.
What type of training are you undertaking and how long will it last?
I have completed AAT and the first level of ACA. My ACA qualification is 3 years long and is due to finish in 2026.
What mentor support is provided to ensure you have an opportunity to succeed in your exams and your role?
My manager, Fiona, has been brilliant. She taught me from scratch during the pandemic over Teams which was very challenging for both of us. Even if Fiona is really busy, she always takes the time to explain everything to me so I fully understand for the next time. This has helped my career development tremendously.
Tell us about your team, your close colleagues.
I work in the smallest of the UHY Ross Brooke offices. We are a very close-knit team. I get on well with the other trainees and we all help each other develop and progress.
Have you been given an opportunity to get to know any of the Partners?
I work regularly with the directors, Mike and Kerry, and I have attended a few client meetings with Mike. I get to work closely with Mike and Kerry on a daily basis.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I find helping the clients most rewarding. I have started having more client contact which has developed my confidence as I can answer most of the questions they have. I recently set up a client on Xero which has saved them a lot of extra time and worry. Their bookkeeping is now organised and they can focus on the business more.
I have been given the responsibility of training a new team member which has cemented my knowledge by going back over the things I have previously learnt. It is very rewarding watching and helping them develop, as I know I have played a part in the early stages of their accountancy career.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is learning new things every day. There are always new accounting and tax rules to learn and techniques to solving problems, especially when you’re training. To stay organised I have created a ‘Ross Brooke book’ which I use to stay on top of all the new learning.
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?
I did work experience at UHY Ross Brooke in the summer of 2018 at the Newbury office. When I finished university I became aware of a role at the Hungerford Office. Since I really enjoyed my work experience, and found the organisation to be very friendly and supportive I decided to apply.
Tell us about the working environment at UHY Ross Brooke?
UHY Ross Brooke has a great working environment. The team in Hungerford are friendly and caring. As a group we celebrate all our achievements, both personal and professional. In work, we all pitch in together when any of us need help or advice.
Why would you recommend joining the UHY Ross Brooke team as a trainee accountant?
The support and on-the-job training is second to none. The work I do every day helps me with my exams.
And finally
What are your ambitions here at UHY Ross Brooke? Where and what do you aspire to be in the future?
To become a chartered accountant. I would also like to expand my portfolio and help train the next generation of accountants here at UHY Ross Brooke.
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)
