The undergraduate placement route in action.
Initial Steps
Francesca, it seems has always had an affinity for numbers. Making sense of them, formatting them. Understanding them. From undergraduate placement to trainee accountant, Francesca tells us her story.
It may have stemmed from a desire to help her dad get to grips with the numbers in his own business, or the example and encouragement of a family friend. Whatever the spark, Francesca is determinedly pursuing her goal to become a qualified accountant.
The journey so far has been a little unconventional.
Francesca describes it:
“I have Covid-A levels, and after 15 university visits and 5 unconditional offers, Derby University stood out for me.”
Francesca relocated from Wiltshire, and began her four-year Accounting and Finance degree, which included a placement year.
Enter Bates Weston! Thanks to our close working relationship with the University of Derby, lecturers recommended that Francesca apply to our undergraduate placement programme. She met us in early August 2022 and started working with us in September.
One of the benefits of her placement was being able to turn lecture room theory into real world practice, something she describes as a “lightbulb moment.”
When Francesca returned to university for her final year, she took the unusual step of asking us if she could work part-time here, as well as undertaking her studies. Impressed by Francesca’s determination to succeed, we were extremely happy to oblige.
Highlights and Challenges
Francesca acknowledges that juggling her final year studies with a part-time role at Bates Weston was a challenge. It honed her organisation skills, and she became an expert at building and sticking to study plans!
Passing her finals with flying colours – a First-Class honours degree to her credit – Francesca says she was not just recalling the theory in her exams, but its practical application in her role at Bates Weston.
After a short and well-deserved break, post exams, Francesca took up her full-time trainee accountant role with us in September 2024. Her degree gives her exemption from the certificate level of the ACA qualification and so she is now working toward the professional level exams. Francesca studies alongside graduates who have joined us through the more traditional post graduate training programme.
If all goes according to plan, Francesca will be fully qualified by September 2027.
Day to Day
One of the challenges of studying for any professional qualification is balancing the day-to-day work with study. “Day to day” often includes VAT returns, bookkeeping, accounts preparation and some audit work.
Francesca reflects:
“It is a lot to handle. It is a lifestyle that you have to adapt to and accept for the next two to three years.”
When asked what motivates her, she answers simply, “I’m driven to succeed, and the end is in sight!”
It is the variety of clients and the work we do for them that Francesca enjoys the most. “Every day there is something new to learn” she says.
As to her future, Francesca wants to be ACA qualified, and she sees opportunities to progress here at Bates Weston.
“The majority of managers at the firm have been trained here. They have been where I am now, they have qualified and there is progression for those that want to take that route.”
And Finally…..
We asked Francesca what qualities are needed to be a successful accountant?
“You need to be personable and ask questions. You have to be confident enough to ask them. Don’t be shy.”
“You need to give your absolute best but be resilient too” she adds. “There will be set backs along the way, especially as you tackle the professional exams. You have to believe you will get there in the end and keep going.”
Asked what tips she may have for those considering a career in accountancy she says:
“Research the business you are applying too. Know what you are stepping into.”
Francesca recalls that when she first visited Bates Weston, she felt like this was the place for her. Something she still feels.
“When you pass the Manging Partner on the stairs, and he says “hello Francesca” – a place where the Manging Partner knows your name – that’s a place I fit in.”
