Freya P.
About me
| Freya P. | |
| Music | |
| Music | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Vanbrugh | |
| 2017 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Accountant (ACCA Qualified) | |
| Local practice, previously worked at Azets & HW Fisher | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Finance and consultancy | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) | |
| 2018 |
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A day in the life of a Accountant (ACCA Qualified) in the United Kingdom
Be happy with your academic achievements - they will help a lot in securing job offers.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I currently work at a small local accountancy practice
What do you do?
Accounts preparation (FRS102 & FRS105), audit, corporation tax, personal tax & VAT
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I graduated with a music degree and decided that I didn't want to pursue a career in teaching. I attended a careers fair at York and met my first employer HW Fisher there, who offered me an unpaid work experience placement that immediately led to the offer of an ACCA training contract. Accountancy was a career-path that accepted graduates from any degree subject, whereas most other graduate schemes for professional roles had specific subject requirements.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
During my studies I had hoped to study a masters in music performance. In the year leading up to graduation I began to explore other options and applied for a variety of graduate schemes. I attended assessment centres for PWC management consultancy and Aviva.
Describe your most memorable day at work
January 31st, for all the wrong reasons haha! (The deadline for personal tax returns to be submitted to HMRC)
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
The main challenge of working in an accountancy practice is stress. There is constant pressure to work fast (to make profits), with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail. Office politics is the other challenge in a business setting, you have to learn to not take things personally.
The hardest part of my career so far was putting in long hours to balance studying for 13 exams alongside a full-time job. If you are tired at work and can't perform as well there is no sympathy. It is tiring but important to have a social life or enjoyable hobby alongside this to let off steam.
I also found it difficult to secure a good training contract where I received adequate exposure to different areas of accountancy. Trainee pay in London was difficult to survive on in 2018-19. It is sometimes difficult to avoid being pidgeonholed and the pay after 4 years (although comfortable) is not as good as originally expected.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
It varies depending on which company you work for. Most offices are pretty quiet as people are concentrating. The atmosphere is generally more professional than friendly, although you are expected to have good working relationships with colleagues. Accountants spend most of their day working solo at a computer unless they are on audit or requesting information from clients.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was a member of and section leader of the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber orchestra and various other musical ensembles.
I mentored 1st year students, completed a York Students in Schools placement and delivered Music Education Group workshops at primary schools. I also was a course representative for BA Music. I did student ambassador work at open days. Looking back I would have got involved with the consultancy society too.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Improve my skill level and salary. Move into a industry role that is more varied and requires a wider skillset.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Networking is the most important thing in securing your first role. Have high standards but low initial expectations.
Be proud of your academic and extracurricular achievements, a lot of young people in the workplace haven't been to university.
It would help to have some savings behind you before starting your 1st role and renting a room in a flatshare.
Although I'm really glad I experienced London, working life is much easier if you can live with family at home.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
ACCA
Accountancy training
Working/living in London
Life after graduation
Applying to graduate schemes
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Good luck with your career journey!
Next steps...
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