This week, we were delighted to welcome work experience student Ned to Blue Spire. Over the course of the week, Ned spent time with each of our departments, giving him the opportunity to experience the many different roles that make up a modern accountancy practice.
From accounts and payroll to our specialist Not-for-Profit team and even marketing, we wanted Ned to gain a real insight into what life at Blue Spire is like. We asked him a few questions about his experience.
What were you expecting before you arrived, and how has the week compared to those expectations?
“I knew I would be spending time with all the different departments at Blue Spire, but I didn’t realise just how much there was to accountancy.
Before I arrived, I thought it would mainly be people working quietly with numbers all day. I also imagined it would be quite a serious office with lots of older people. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Everyone has been really welcoming, friendly and happy to explain what they do.
It was great to see such a young team who clearly enjoy working together. Every department does something different, so no two days have been the same.”
What has surprised you most about working in an accountancy practice?
“The biggest surprise has been how much technology is involved. I didn’t expect accountants to use so many different software programmes, spreadsheets and Excel documents every day.
There’s a lot more to the job than just working with numbers, and technology plays a huge part in helping the team work efficiently and support their clients.”
Which department or task have you enjoyed the most, and why?
“My favourite department was the Not-for-Profit team. I found it really interesting learning about the different charities and organisations they work with and how accountancy helps them manage their finances so they can focus on making a difference. It was interesting to see how the work the team does has a positive impact beyond just businesses.”
What’s one thing you’ve learnt this week that you didn’t know before?
“I’ve learnt lots of new skills this week. I now know how to scan and organise documents properly, have picked up some useful Excel skills, and even had the chance to spend time with the marketing team creating a video. It was great to experience such a wide variety of tasks and see how every department works together.”
If another student was thinking about doing work experience at Blue Spire, what would you tell them?
“I’d definitely recommend it. It’s been a really interesting week and I’ve learnt far more than I expected. Everyone has been so friendly and approachable, and they’ve always taken the time to answer my questions and explain what they’re doing.
If you’re thinking about a career in accountancy, business or even marketing, it’s a great opportunity to see what it’s really like and gain some valuable experience.”
A huge thank you to Ned for spending the week with us and embracing every opportunity. It has been a pleasure having him as part of the team, and we hope his time at Blue Spire has given him a valuable insight into the wide variety of careers within accountancy and professional services.
We wish Ned all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing where his next steps take him.
| If you need help with your accounts, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
