What did you do at university?
I studied accounting at the University of Nottingham.
Why did you choose a career in your field?
My interest is mostly in accounting and business. I thought accounting would provide me with a different perspective about economics as well as equip me with knowledge about the business world.
What do you do in your job?
I am currently an audit assistant in the financial services department. My role involves auditing clients’ financial performance for the purpose of financial reporting. We also provide our clients with insight on how to improve their business processes. In EY, we work as a team to complete our day-to-day tasks. I am also responsible for managing the team in order to enhance and improve operational excellence.
What do you like most about your job?
The thing that I value most about my job is the opportunity to meet people from different organisations and industries. I get to learn how business is carried out and the culture within those respective organisations. I also enjoy meeting new people, which helps expand my business network.
What skills do you consider to be essential for your job?
Critical thinking and professional scepticism are two vital skills in my line of work as we need to analyse the work of other people on a daily basis. A good level of computer literacy is needed to process the data and to produce the report. These skills are mostly acquired on the job.
What are your future plans?
I plan to be an audit manager three years from now and to become a chartered accountant. I am currently pursuing my professional qualification with Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). My lifetime goal is to start my own business.
What advice do you have for graduates?
My advice for those interested in my line of work is to get some exposure in accounting, and most importantly, to have passion and commitment in whatever you do. A professional services firm is a good place for fresh graduates to gain as much experience in the workforce. It provides a solid start to a career.
