What sparked your interest in Accounting, Finance and Banking?

I think for me, it started with knowing what I didn’t want to do. Science and English were a no go for me and that ruled out fields such as doctor, dentist, teaching or law. Great career paths, but not for me. I did however enjoy Maths, IT, and business and so Accounting & Finance seemed like the natural fit after college.

University was the first point I gained a deeper understanding of the various aspects within accounting and given the breadth of opportunities it provides; I knew I was on the career path I wanted.

What was your first job after graduating?

My first role after graduating was a trainee accountant in London. This meant relocating but once they had offered a training contract to undertake ICAEW exams, it almost seemed like a no brainer to take the opportunity at any cost.

I still remember applying for hundreds of roles and finding it frustrating with little or no replies from agencies or businesses. Therefore, when landed with an opportunity to progress my career as an accountant, I had to take it.

The role itself was predominantly focused on auditing. This tends to be the case in Practice whereby the trainees are expected to assist on audits and thereafter expand into other areas such as financial accounts, payroll, management accounting, vat and much more.

Outside of the course teaching, what other opportunities did you get involved in during your time at Manchester Met?

I was very much focused on building my CV during my time at University to give me the best opportunity to secure a graduate role. This involved the following, just to mention a few:

- Working part time as a manager: This role allowed me to develop as an individual and as a team player. Managing a team at one of UK leading banks, allowed me to enhance both customer service and sales skills. Experience which would be transferable to my career in accounting.

- Sports activities: Participating in football, cricket, and other sporting tournaments, whether that was with the University or outside with a local club, to ensure physical and mental wellbeing, despite what may have seemed a stressful period with exam pressure.

- Charity work which allowed me to give back at times and get involved with the community.

What are your greatest achievements so far?

Looking back, I would say my greatest achievement was to qualify as a Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW. After leaving University and embarking on the journey to become an accountant, it wasn’t the easiest road as one can expect. However, it was made more difficult since the recession in 2009 meant my training contract had to come to an early end. With just 13 months under my belt, I looked for training contracts with no luck for almost 18 months. Eventually, I managed to secure a training contract, however due to financial constraints and funding of exams, it meant I had to work 2 jobs and self-fund the exams. I was motivated and determined to finish what I had started.

In the end, the drive to continue going meant I qualified as a Chartered Accountant. I was able to gain exposure working in Practice and Industry environment. I had the opportunity to progress my career in a multi-national organisation working as a Finance Manager. However, in the end I opted to open my own Accountancy Practice. Within a space of 5 years, we now have over 300 clients, including 5 staff members.

I think my greatest achievement is attaining the ICAEW qualification I set out regardless of the obstacles that were presented and using it now to benefit others who may be going through similar hardships as I did to achieve their dreams.