From A levels to ACA qualified Relationship Manager in 7 years
Initial steps
Braddan joined us straight from 6th Form with A levels in Maths, Physics, Business and Economics. An apprenticeship was always in his plan, but he hadn’t quite decided whether it would be in finance or engineering. His decision to choose finance was our gain!
Arriving in 2017, Braddan admits he was a blank sheet, with no prior accounting knowledge. He met Rachel, our training manager and began to learn! Rachel tailored his training programme, allowing him to learn on the job, working on real client work alongside colleagues who welcomed his questions and showed him the ropes.
After his first year, Braddan had gained so much knowledge, he was enrolled into the ACA training programme, flying through the first 6 exams in his first 8 months.
By 2021, having passed all 15 exams, Braddan became a qualified senior accountant.
Highlights and Challenges
Becoming a qualified senior accountant is one of the highlights of Braddan’s career to date. He had done what he had set out to do. Interestingly, he remembers the year he qualified by which Works Christmas Party he got his “shout out” at.
One of our traditions at Bates Weston is to congratulate all “newly qualifieds” at the Christmas Party, and Braddan knows that in 2021 the party was at the Old Bell!
Recognising his potential, Braddan was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2023 and Relationship Manager in 2024. He takes care of a varied client portfolio in terms of client size and sector, enjoys getting to know his clients and being able to help them with queries.
Braddan admits that learning to interact with clients and to develop those relationships was a challenge at first.
“You need to become comfortable asking questions. That comes from being confident that you know what you are talking about, and that asking the questions is the best way to help the client.”
One other challenge Braddan tells us about, is managing office work and college work on an apprenticeship.
“It can be tough, but all apprenticeships and on the job training programmes share the same challenge. It’s helpful to have other people at work who have gone through or are going through the same thing”.
Day to day
Braddan’s day to day job involves reviewing jobs, one off client queries, VAT return reviews, monthly management accounts, managing staff and collaborating with other managers.
He tells us it’s the variety of clients he works with that he enjoys the most. From football coaches to IT software designers, with different systems and software, every day is different. But his job satisfaction comes from doing a job well, meeting deadlines and helping clients.
“Providing the answers to their queries is always rewarding.”
Braddan also gets involved with social activities coordinated by our social committee and regularly attends networking events on behalf of the firm. The Derby Young Professionals network is a group that encourages recently qualified people from the service professions to get together at less traditional networking events.
“It’s a good way to get to know other professionals who are at the same stage of their career as you are”.
And finally…
Asked what quality you need to pursue a successful career in accounting, Braddan says, resilience.
“When the revision piles up, don’t give up. Keep your eyes on the end result and stick it out!”
His top tip for those starting out in the profession is to ask as many questions as possible.
“Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand, people are always willing to help.”
