Graduate Case Studies - Lindsay Griffin - Trainee Accountant - Hodgsons
Name: Lindsay Griffin
Age: 28
Degree and university: Plymouth University, BSc (Hons) Sociology with Criminal Justice.
Job title: Trainee Accountant, Hodgsons.
What do you actually do? I prepare financial statements for a range of clients such as, Limited Companies, Partnerships and Sole Traders. As part of the preparation of the accounts I draft tax computations for the relevant entities. I also undertake audits for our larger clients.
Were you always interested in finance/accountancy as a career? I left college wanting to join the Navy as an Officer, so was advised to go to University and gain a degree to help my chances within this career. Whilst at University I reconsidered my options and decided I wished to start a career in accountancy.
How did you find out about this particular career/job? Further to my ambition of becoming an accountant I researched the profession and the various training routes to the differing qualifications. I then applied for a training position that was advertised in the local paper and to my delight Hodgsons welcomed me as part of their growing organisation.
Would you undertake further study in order to gain promotion? At present I am concentrating on passing my current exams to complete this stage of my career and further enhance my practical experience. Once I have achieved this level of qualification, I would like to progress further within both Hodgsons and the profession itself.
What do you like most about your job? I always like to have targets and within accountancy everyday poses a new challenge. The diversity of the work I undertake ensures a well rounded knowledge of accounts, and there are always opportunities for me to stretch myself and constantly learn about new issues.
Are there any downsides to what you do? I don't feel there are any negative aspects to my career. I am fully supported within my workplace by both Hodgsons and my colleagues, and therefore feel prepared for any issues I may face.
What do you think are the most important skills/strengths you need to make a success of what you do? Naturally, the qualification provides the foundations to my career in the accountancy profession. However this needs to be coupled with the ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and clients. The further I progress with my training, and the more client contact I have, will enable me to advise clients commercially on their business needs.
What would be your best piece of advice for graduates wishing to come into this sector? This profession is extremely rewarding, however, requires dedicated individuals to undertake the extensive training qualifications. Therefore, any potential graduate considering this career needs to appreciate the intensity of the studying they will face.
Is there anything else you would like to add? The beauty of accountancy is that there is a wide variety of paths that can be taken, both pre and post qualification. This will ensure that throughout my career I will face many opportunities that are motivational, which will continually enhance my knowledge.
Add to
Send to a friend
Post a comment
Comments
No comments....
Graduate Employers
| PwC | PwC is the one firm for all talented graduates. As one of the wor... | more |
| Ernst & Young | Ernst & Young is 135,000 people, in 700 locations, working with ou... | more |
| Scottish Investment Operations | SIO is a professional body representing major employers in the Sco... | more |
| CIMA | By choosing CIMA you are taking the first step towards a dynamic a... | more |
| ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Acco... | Chartered accountants lead the way in some of the world’s la... | more |
| KPMG | KPMG in the UK is one of the leading firms of business advisers. W... | more |
| ACCA (Association of Chartered Cer... | ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the l... | more |
Latest Graduate Jobs
| Title | Organisation | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate opportunities with Centrica | Centrica | Apply today |
| Just graduated? Looking for the best way into banking and fi... | Quartic Training | 31 Jan 2010 |
Graduate Case Studies
|
Miriam Idris - Corporate Financier - PwCI work in the Corporate Finance part of PwC’s Advisory practice in Birmingham after having completed three years with the firm’s Audit practice in the East Midlands. The Corporate Finance work I do is all about mergers and acquisitions, primarily selling businesses. This can mean private companies being sold to other companies in the sector, or to private equity houses. My work involves understanding businesses and how they operate, what their strategic direction is, their position in the market, and understanding what their growth potential is. It also involves understanding industries and how businesses are valued. ... more |
|
David - Accountant - ShellI wanted the opportunity to work in an exciting and growing industry. I was attracted to Shell’s global dimension, meaning I would be able to work with colleagues in other countries. The job also allowed me to develop skills that could be transferred to any part of the business. ... more |
|
Noel McAuliffe - Accountant - Brighton & Hove County CouncilHaving spent a number of years working in finance as an accountant/financial analyst, which was largely unsatisfying, I decided that I wanted to contribute to society in a positive way and felt that this could best be achieved through a career in the legal profession. ... more |
|
Shahbaz Ali - Accounting and Finance - Newcastle Business SchoolI decided to continue my studies because the university was launching this new MSc accounting course where I could gain a masters degree and a professional accounting qualification. ... more |
Graduate Advice
|
See the world, start your career and earn some money banking... more |
|
Are you interested in a career in finance but worried that you didn't do... more |
|
Your guide to who has jobs, who wants interns and who needs trainees.... more |
|
If you want a career that gives you the opportunity to work in pretty much... more |
Comments