Audit Associate William Daughtrey joined our apprenticeship programme in September 2023 as a Graduate. Hear from Will as he tells us why he chose the apprenticeship route and the life skills he’s learnt so far.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship route for me was an obvious choice, getting paid a competitive salary while the company puts me through a globally recognised qualification. The support from Bishop Fleming and First Intuition (our tuition provider) has been outstanding; combined with the camaraderie from my cohort, my first six months at Bishop Fleming have been most enjoyable and rewarding. The life skills I've gained through the accountancy apprenticeship so far are extremely valuable for my professional development:
+ Communication
Whether through email, phone or in person, engaging and communicating comfortably with people is the most important part of our job. Client satisfaction and trust rely heavily on good communication, whether internally or externally. I am often actively engaging in discussions with clients or colleagues, and it isn’t always necessarily about the job; building a rapport pays dividends.
+ Adaptability
Being able to shift between different situations and jobs easily is an exceedingly important skill. I have been in the office on the phone with a client discussing their file one day; the next, I was flying out to do a stock take at a different client in Northern Ireland.
+ Good organisation
Having solid organisational skills will enable you to do your best work and build trust with employers and clients. My day involves juggling multiple tasks for different clients, which means prioritising assignments while maintaining a balance that allows me to deliver quality work without feeling overwhelmed. I can consistently meet my deadlines and keep both managers and clients happy.
+ Big picture thinking
It is always good to avoid getting caught up in the minor details and look at the broader picture. This helps you carry projects from start to finish, no matter the size. An audit file is made of many components that all require completing, so considering the file as a whole allows us to track our progress, prioritise key sections and move between unfinished tasks.
+ Leadership
Professional accountants have become a crucial part of many businesses, helping them navigate an increasingly complex world. Due to the structure of many practices, we can take on more responsibility as we progress, leading jobs, training those with less experience and being responsible for completing a file.
Interested in a career in accountancy? Take a look at our apprenticeship opportunities here!