My Career Choice

At the age of 16, I was intrigued by accountancy so took an A-Level in Accounting and Finance at Sixth Form. Within the two year A-Level period, we were able to complete a work experience placement.  I was aware of Francis Clark (with Winter Rule) being the top accountancy firm in the South West, so I applied for a placement and was given the opportunity to complete a week’s work experience. This experience was invaluable.  Not only did it confirm my aspirations to become an accountant, but it also illustrated the professional environment of the firm and of the opportunities that were on offer.

After my A-Levels, I applied for a job and joined as a Trainee Accounting Technician in September 2009.  As I had an A-Level in accountancy, I was able to fast-track the first year of the AAT qualification and at the age of 20, I have completed my AAT along with obtaining two years’ real work experience. My future aspirations are to qualify as a Chartered Accountant through the ACA qualification with the firm.

Not only do Francis Clark provide staff with the ability to advance with training, they appreciate that self-development is also important and encourage team integration.  I currently take part in netball and cricket run by Truro office staff, plus the numerous social events that are arranged.  On a personal level, the firm is sponsoring me, along with a local rotary club, to complete the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) in 2012.  

I have been an employee of Francis Clark for just two years now and I already feel I have achieved so much and I am proud to work for such a successful firm!

Shortly after finishing my A-levels, I decided University was not for me and having always been interested in business and finance, I found an alternative route to becoming a fully qualified accountant through an apprenticeship scheme.  The AAT is a great way to do this, particularly as you ‘earn while you learn’ and achieve a globally recognised qualification.

Francis Clark was an obvious choice and two years later I had gained my AAT qualification, which soon enabled me to progress onto my ACA (ICAEW) exams.  ACA tuition is conducted at Reed Business School, located in the Cotswolds, which is a perfect learning environment, with very helpful tutors on hand at all times.  Alongside this, Francis Clark run a series of ICAEW accredited courses, which have taught me key business skills that I still use today.

The variety of work offered at Francis Clark is very motivating. One day, I can be calculating a client’s tax return, the next preparing a set of accounts, or out on-site auditing a company’s financial statements.  So far I have visited private schools, dairy farmers and even clients who own their own beach!

The support I have received from my colleagues at Francis Clark has been brilliant. Everybody is approachable and with six monthly reviews with my manager, I always have an opportunity to raise any issues and benefit from continual feedback, making me feel supported and encouraged to succeed.

After deciding that University wasn’t the best option for me, I sat down with the yellow pages and looked for Accounting firms near my home and wrote letters enquiring if there were any A-Level trainee jobs available.  I had not previously heard of Francis Clark, but they were extremely efficient at replying to my letter. Within two weeks of my sending the letter, I had gone for an interview with Francis Clark; arranged at a time to suit me as I was still studying for my A-Levels, and I had received an offer for the job.  By this time I had researched the firm and was pleasantly surprised to find out that they are the biggest firm in the South West outside of the Big 4.  I was also pleased to find out that not going to University wouldn’t hinder me in any way at all – I could still study for the ACA without a degree, which I did not previously know.  I am enrolled at the local college to study whilst I work; this process was sorted out for me, and I was notified of possible dates that I could attend an interview at the college.

I joined the Salisbury Office at the end of August 2011.  In the very short time that I have been here I have already undergone an online Bookkeeping course and Money Laundering course, and have attended an introduction day at the Exeter office.  My first impressions of the firm have been very positive – at the introduction day I heard from employees coming different areas of the firm, and all of them spoke very highly of Francis Clark, which has made me feel extremely settled in the knowledge that there will always be help available for me.  I definitely feel that it has been the right career path to take, as I will be qualified sooner, without the worry of debt and with much greater experience than my University peers.