Amanda N.
About me
| Amanda N. | |
| Economics and Related Studies | |
| BSc Economics and Finance | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2012 |
My employment
| Group Systems Accountant | |
| Kingfisher plc. | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Finance and consultancy | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2020 |
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A day in the life of a Group Systems Accountant in the United Kingdom
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Kingfisher plc. is a British multinational retailing company headquartered in London. It has over 1,300 stores in nine countries, and its brands include B&Q, Castorama, Brico Dépôt and Screwfix.
What do you do?
A Systems Accountant reviews the requirements needed for reporting, usually requested by Group Finance and delivers these functionalities by analysing the system and performing necessary updates, bridging the gap between Finance and IT. The finance system I currently work with is Oracle's Hyperion Financial Management (HFM).
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
Upon graduating in 2012, I was applying to numerous graduate schemes but was completely unaware of what was required to attain one. It was competitive - there were online tests and assessment centres and, I wasn't even able to get through to any second round of interviews. I pursued an MSc in 2014, graduated in 2015 and tried again. I realised then that one has to be relentless when applying to these schemes. When more applications are sent out, the chances of attaining a scheme is higher - with that being said, the application in itself has to be of quality, meeting the scheme's requirements. I landed a role within a scheme with Prudential plc which introduced me to Finance Systems. I have completed the scheme and am currently in a permanent role with Kingfisher plc.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Yes and No. When I graduated, I thought I would be solely in finance. However, the role also requires knowledge in IT and a certain level of knowledge in programming is definitely advantageous.
Describe your most memorable day at work
My first day of work - meeting new people, having to build new relationships, manoeuvring how to do well in the role and understanding company culture. It was all challenging and exciting at the same time.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
During the summer months of university, I completed two finance internships at Martin Greene Ravden LLP and Maybank London, and a course in Corporate Law at LSE. The internships gave me an insight as to what work actually entails, while the course allowed me to explore other pursuable options alongside Finance. Any experience/knowledge attained is always transferable.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Be persistent and open-minded. Keep on applying, attend your interviews and know that your career will be a rollercoaster ride, as is your journey at university.
Next steps...
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