Here's what Alana had to say:
Can you tell us about your journey to get where you are today in your career?
I joined SBP in July 2021 after graduating from RGU with a First-Class Honours Degree in Accounting and Finance. During your third year at RGU, you are given the opportunity to continue studying various modules for the year or undertake a placement and do a few modules on the side. I chose the placement route and did my placement year at Johnston Carmichael as a Business Advisory Assistant, where I gained valuable insight and experience into what the role involved. Before going on this placement, I was not sure which field of Accounting I wanted to pursue a career in but after being at Johnston Carmichael, I knew it was going to be in Business Advisory.
Since starting at SBP I have worked on 180 accounts jobs and managed 6 VAT jobs. Through the support of SBP, I am currently studying towards the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, with 4 out of 13 exams left to pass.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
No two days are the same here at SBP as my role is really varied which I like. My role as an accounts assistant involves preparing financial statements and tax returns for a wide range of clients using various accounting software, as well as preparing and submitting VAT Returns with HMRC. For the past two years I was also in charge of all reception duties, which helped split my day and allowed me to interact with client. I have recently become a mentor to one of our new starts here in the Peterhead Office and occasionally help mentor another.
What do you enjoy most at SBP?
I love my job and find it both challenging and rewarding. There are lots of things that I enjoy here at SBP, but the people I work with are definitely at the top of my list. I enjoy being part of a small team where you're not just a number! There is so much support and assistance given to help you progress through your career and as a person, which is something I value.
What has been your biggest challenge in your career and how did you overcome it?
Having been to university, I was fortunate to receive eight exemptions from the ACCA exams. However, I didn't start studying for the first of the remaining five exams until a year after graduating. One of the biggest challenges was getting back into the study routine.
Sitting my first ACCA Applied Skills exam was quite challenging as it was a different standard of exams from what I was used to at University and given that I had not sat any other exams at this level, it was hard to know what to expect from them. Through dedicated hours of studying, revision, and consistent practice with exam questions, I thankfully passed!
At times, juggling my studies has been a challenge specifically when I moved into my own home and the time that went into that. This led to my grades dropping however, instead of dwelling on this and losing confidence in my abilities, I see this as an opportunity and learning curve to try again to succeed.
What is the best advice you have been given?
The best way to succeed is to learn from your mistakes. In this profession, every day is a school day and there is never a stupid question! Also, use any constructive feedback that you are given as ammunition to better yourself both in your career and as a person. I am always encouraged to ask more questions, and now that I am a mentor, I could not agree with this more.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
As well as working at SBP, I also work part-time at the Peterhead Football Club as a waitress on match days and other hospitality functions and have done for nearly 10 years!