Here's what Aidan had to say:
When did you join SBP and what led you to apply for the apprenticeship?
I joined SBP on the 19th of June 2023, right after completing my exams as I was eager leave school and start working. I joined SBP as I was in search of a job that would not only provide opportunities for career advancement but also allow me to stay in my local area. SBP was the only accountancy firm that could offer this, making my choice to apply for a position within SBP an easy one. Before applying for this apprenticeship at SBP, I had already made up my mind that if I wanted to pursue a career in accountancy, I preferred this route over attending university, as I believed that the apprenticeship program offered the most effective path for developing my skills and becoming an accountant.
Can you give insight into your day-to-day work at SBP?
In my role at SBP, I work at reception of the Peterhead office, which involves a variety of administrative tasks. On a typical day, I handle responsibilities such as managing mail, overseeing banking processes, and assisting clients who visit the office.
Most of my work revolves around accounts preparation, although I occasionally contribute to VAT-related tasks as well. One of my favourite parts of my job is the opportunity to collaborate and learn from my experienced colleagues who have experience in all areas of accountancy. This continuous learning environment keeps me engaged and motivated to develop my skills further.
What do you expect the apprenticeship will give you in terms of experience and career development?
This apprenticeship will boost my professional growth by allowing me to apply educational knowledge at work, improving my skills. I'll gain hands-on experience at a respected accountancy firm, deepening my industry understanding. It provides an opportunity of a lifelong accountancy career and allows me to continue gaining qualifications after leaving school and head towards an ACCA qualification.
How has the SBP team supported you in your development?
Since starting at SBP, I've had the privilege of working closely with two colleagues who excel in different areas of accounting. Their guidance has been essential in shaping my training and boosting my skills in various accounting areas. Additionally, I've had the valuable opportunity to have monthly catch-up sessions with one of the managers and my mentor. These sessions have been highly beneficial, helping me track my progress and gain valuable insights and advice from an experienced manager. The supportive atmosphere created by my colleagues has made it easy for me to ask for help and learn, which has greatly contributed to my growth within SBP.
Have you any future career plans following qualifying?
Yes, I have future career plans after qualifying. I aim to pursue ACCA qualification to boost my expertise and advance my career within SBP.
Do you think there are enough opportunities and support in the industry? If not, what do you think would be beneficial for young people starting out?
The accountancy industry offers many opportunities, but young people, especially students, often don't know about them, making it seem like there aren't many options for starting a career. To improve this, the industry should provide more information to school students about the different career paths in accountancy. Additionally, having more accountancy firms offer apprenticeships (MAs) would be highly beneficial, as it's an effective way for young individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed for a successful accounting career.
What advice would you give any student considering an apprenticeship or beginning their journey in the industry?
Try to get some work experience before diving in; it'll give you a real feel for how an accountancy firm operates. Also, while you're in school, aim for qualifications in subjects like accounting, administration, and business. These can really help you understand the industry better and make your apprenticeship smoother. They're like building blocks for your future success in this field.