Life as a Semi-Senior Accountant

Ever wondered what life is like as an accountant? We sat down with two of our Semi-Seniors, Ryan Smith and Lily O’Brien, to take a glimpse at their journey with us so far…

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How did your journey with DJH Mitten Clarke begin?

RS: After searching for a job that would suit my family life and after reading the job spec, I immediately applied for the role. I saw they were an award-winning company who would support with my studies and flexible working hours, and after an engaging and informative interview, I knew I’d found exactly what I was looking for.

LO: I was looking for a role with more responsibility than I currently had so I was drawn to the opportunities for progression that came with the job. The large client base was a challenge that I looked forward to taking on. The excellent study package and flexible working hours were an added bonus and definitely helped my decision to apply.

What does ‘a day in the life’ of a Semi-Senior look like?

RS: It’s hard to describe my typical day as they genuinely are so different. We have plenty of exposure to different aspects of accountancy which is great as I can put all of my studies in to practice. I also have access to plenty of fully qualified accountants each day, to support in my continued learning.

LO: I’m never in one place for a long time, I get a lot more steps in than you’d expect! It’s all quite varied, one minute you can be on a client call and the next on a complex job. I also have the opportunity to help the trainees out which I particularly enjoy as I can remember being in their shoes.

How have DJH Mitten Clarke helped you achieve your ambitions?

RS: The study support here is fantastic. All our tuition fees are paid for and there’s also a generous amount of study leave (with extra days leading up to our exams). A lot of the team are studying, so we’re all in it together and celebrate each other’s successes.

We also have Training Support and Development  meetings every quarter that give us a chance to discuss any opportunities for progression, and these are always actively chased up and reviewed in our next session. The combined experience of the team also means that I’m always able to solve any problems I have internally – which makes life much easier.

LO: My main target is to become qualified, I’m only 6 months away from that now. DJH Mitten Clarke have been really supportive throughout my studies, allowing plenty of study leave and reducing workload around exam periods.

What have been your ‘best bits’ since joining the team?

RS: I’ve had a great year since joining, but one of my favourite parts has to be getting to know the team and working with some extremely talented accountants. I was the Community Champion at our quarterly awards which was an extra special achievement that voted on by the team. On top of this I also took part in the Potters ‘Arf Marathon which was something I never thought I was capable of, the support around the course from my colleagues was something else!

LO: Working with a great team has made the past two and half years especially enjoyable, as well as becoming part qualified and the companies Cloud Champion, it was great to be given the extra responsibilities and challenges that I had been looking for!

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of applying?

RS: Send your application in now. You’ll struggle to find another firm that genuinely cares this much about the team’s wellbeing and morale. If you’re looking to gain all-round exposure to the industry, then this is the place to be.It’s important to gain this experience so that when you are chartered you can give your clients the best service and advice possible.

LO: Don’t think about applying, just go for it. Even if you have doubts, you’d rather have an ‘oh well’ than a ‘what if’.

We’re on the lookout for ambitious individuals to join our fantastic team, so if you like the sound of us and would like to join Ryan and Lily as our next Semi-Senior accountant, send your CV to liam.cox@djhmittenclarke.co.uk

Find out more about careers at DJH Mitten Clarke here.

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