Starting my career as a school leaver trainee at Kilsby Williams, I’ve had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, progressing to my current as an ACA Chartered Audit and Accounts Manager. The firm has provided invaluable support throughout my journey, offering significant development opportunities, exciting work and a strong emphasis on relationships, which have all been key to my success.
My starting point
I joined the firm after completing my A Levels and began working towards my AAT qualifications. Following this, I completed my ACA qualification; balancing work and study, a challenge made easier by the firm’s structured approach to mentoring, study leave, and funding for qualifications.
Despite the initial difficulty of adjusting to remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic, the support from my colleagues and managers ensured I stayed on track. Over time I transitioned into carrying out more complex tasks, particularly after my promotion to Senior in 2021, when my responsibilities grew significantly.
The firm’s support
From the outset, Kilsby Williams provided exceptional support through regular catch ups with managers, a mentor programme, and a structured training management group. This constant guidance has allowed me to continually develop and tackle more complex audits and accounts jobs. The firm’s commitment to professional development has been evident, with plenty of training resources available to support ongoing learning.
Throughout my journey, I’ve worked on a variety of interesting and challenging audits. The firm’s expansion has led to greater opportunities for me to manage my own portfolio and collaborate with an expanding team. I take pride in building strong client relationships, ensuring clear communication and managing deadlines effectively. Working with colleagues across all levels has been particularly rewarding and I’ve enjoyed mentoring junior staff, offering the same support I received early in my career.
The firm’s culture, which prioritises development and team building, has played a huge role in my growth. There’s no glass ceiling here – progression is based on merit and experience. The hybrid working model and flexible benefits have allowed me to maintain a good work-life balance, something that’s important to me as I enjoy staying active and spending time with friends and family.
My next steps
As I continue to develop my managerial skills and expand my portfolio, I am excited about further growth within the firm. Kilsby Williams has provided me with a platform to thrive and I look forward to continuing my journey here, confident in the opportunities and support it offers.
Kilsby Williams has been instrumental in my professional development, providing a supportive environment, opportunities for exciting work and a strong sense of community. The firm’s commitment to career growth and work-life balance has made my journey from school leaver to ACA Chartered Audit and Accounts Manager both rewarding and fulfilling; I would recommend this to everyone leaving school.
