Katie Boyne, Trainee Audit
As published in the Grad Directory 2011
Degree: BA in Accounting & Finance, graduated 2010
1. Why did you choose your particular career?
Accounting and Maths were always my two favourite subjects. I was good at them and you always tend to gravitate toward the things which you are good at. Accounting was a natural career choice for me. People I admired had always recommended accounting as a steady career choice and highlighted the strength of an accounting qualification irrespective of your final chosen career.
2. How did you get your job?
I had carried out some research on a number of companies before the milk rounds. Immediately Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon stood out to me. I went for a number of interviews but after my interview with Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon I knew that this was the place I wanted to work. They were offering the right blend of broad experience across a wide range of industry sectors. I felt this was a perfect fit for a trainee accountant and my time here so far has proved this to be the case. The competition for places was very high, there was a huge number of applicants for trainee accounting positions. When I got the phone call from the HR manager offering me a job here I was absolutely delighted. I couldn’t wait to begin the next part of my journey on the road to success and I knew Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon would get me there quickly.
3. How does working life differ from being a student? Was it what you expected? How did you adapt?
There is far less time to relax! Working here has taught me a lot about responsibility and hard work. It has helped me to become more organised with my time, as the working week is far more demanding than student life. Working life is very adaptable especially when you enjoy what you are doing. Every day I am learning new things and meeting new people, it is the people you meet that help you to adapt in work, they are also the people you will learn from and some of them you will strive to emulate.
There is also a great social aspect that goes along with a new job. You will meet a variety of new people who will be working alongside with. The firm has organised some great nights out which helps you to get to know everyone. One of my favourite things about BTRG is that no one is a stranger here. This is great when asking for help from others.
4. What does your job involve? What are the best and worst bits?
What doesn’t my job involve should be the question! One of the best things about working in BTRG is the variety in the work you are given. From audits to accounts preparation to corporation tax computations, I’ve done it all. Each new job is different from the last which makes it exciting and enjoyable. The level of responsibility we are given is a great learning tool here in BTRG. Being able to work closely alongside the manager and partner is great for learning how to respond to clients’ needs and act in a professional manner. I have always felt like I can ask anybody a question in work, see the different ways that others do things and decide which way is best for me. Working here is never boring. I was given responsibilities immediately which have been great for my career development. The feedback which we get on the work we do is also a great learning tool and gives you more confidence in the work you do. Hard work in BTRG does not go unnoticed.
At the start it can all be very daunting, one of the things that I found hard to deal with was meeting deadlines, especially when you are working a number of jobs at the same time. But I quickly learned the benefits of good time management. Something as small as making a list of things to be done and prioritising jobs is a great way to handle things and get them done as quickly as possible. The most important thing in work is communication with the rest of your team. If things are not going to plan, or something is taking you longer than expected, you need to speak up and tell the manager on the job. They are always more than willing to help out.
5. What training/study are you doing and how do you fit this in with work life?
Like anything else worthwhile in life, studying while working in a full time job is not an easy thing to do. Therefore you need to try and make things easier for yourself. I am currently studying for the ACA exams. I have just successfully completed my first two CAP2 exams. My lectures take place after work and on the weekends. I try to take things step by step rather than looking at the situation as 3 years of work and study. I have completed my first year which has flown by and now I am concentrating on the next step. This approach helps me not to get too overwhelmed when things are busier than usual. Being consistent with everything is what works best for me. A little bit of study on a regular basis helps me to stay on track and not fall behind.
6. What tips would you give to students/graduates about looking for jobs?
Preparation is the key here, this will help you find the confidence you need to really sell yourself. If you get chosen to go for interview they are already impressed by you. However this is only half the battle. I found that in my earlier interviews I could have prepared myself more. You need to be able to sell yourself in person as well as on paper.
7. What tips would you give to graduates starting their first job?
Always try to remember that you were offered this job for a reason – because you deserve it. You need to tackle each new task with confidence and determination. Always take pride in the work you do and others will notice this and give you additional responsibility. This is the only way to progress and reach your potential. Never be afraid to ask questions, people don’t expect you to have all the answers but they will always be impressed when you identify the issues.
