Matt

Office: Manchester
University: Warwick
Degree: BSc (Hons) Mathematics

I have been an accountant now for almost four years; eight months of which has been with UHY Hacker Young. I previously worked for a small practice in Liverpool, which I joined straight after leaving university in 2004.

I am currently studying for my ACCA exams, and hope to qualify in December 2008. The study support offered at my previous firm consisted of providing the main study text, (a 400 page book!) very little guidance and 5 days paid study leave per year. Although this was adequate for exam success for me, given my determination to pass, the lack of support was not beneficial to me or any other student. The training package at UHY Hacker Young consists of attending a training college for initial tuition, revision sessions and mock exam days; all paid for by the firm. This equates to 10 days paid study leave per subject at intermediate level and I took 3 exams in December. It is clear from talking to other students, both in the office and at the training college, that UHY Hacker Young heavily invest in the training of their students and the knowledge of all staff members is testament to this.

During my eight months at UHY Hacker Young, I have been involved in preparing accounts for many different sized clients, from small sole traders to complex groups of companies requiring audit. I have also been involved in providing other business services, such as helping clients to install and use accounting software and providing help and guidance with regards to bookkeeping. I have also attended many stock takes; from counting designer suits in a warm warehouse to counting barrels of paint in the rain!

As a more experienced member of staff, I have been involved in helping less senior members of staff with any problems, and I often take someone with me to perform audit work at clients’ premises. This exposure to complex audits and the techniques involved at such an early stage in their professional development is highly beneficial to them, and something which I didn’t experience at my previous firm. This is another reason why, for me, UHY Hacker Young is an excellent training firm, as it offers a supportive environment which is highly geared towards the development of its staff.