Another week, another fabulous Work Experience Student spending time with us here at Elsby Chartered Accountants!
In the third part of our Career focused blogs – we’ve got another guest blog from our second work experience placement. Laura, a student from Wollaston School, joined us in the Sywell office for another jam-packed week of learning about all the areas of the business, from admin to accounts!
Just to prove that everyone learns differently, Laura had the same programme as Maya, our previous work experience student, but the things that gave her a buzz were very different! Laura was totally in her element when she got to spend time with Fabia Bruce AATQB, completing personal tax returns and HMRC submissions! What a whizz-kid!
Here, in Laura’s own words, is how she got on during here work experience placement.
Laura’s Story
I’m a year 12 student from Wollaston School who was advised to find work experience for w/c 10th July, so I took it upon myself to figure out what would be the most useful and engaging experience in a work force to help me discover my interests for a career after my A-levels next summer. After thoughts about lots of different routes I was most interested in economics and finance which has led from studying economics as an a-level. I also study geography and sociology which I enjoy as well but not as much!
I researched different businesses around Northamptonshire like banks, financial advisors, and accountants until I came across Elsby and Co.
In March, I sent a short email containing a bit about me and my interests in accountancy and then briefly asking if they offered any work experience. After emailing several different businesses in the area, Elsby and Co were the only place not only to respond but respond with a positive outcome.
Elsby offered fast and excellent communication with me via email which shortly led to us arranging a 30-minute teams call with Clare Elsby to allow to me to get to know the company better and find out what they could offer to me. I finished the call already feeling welcomed into the company and excited to start my week in July.
Nearer to to my start date, I received a welcome pack with a letter, a notepad, post-it notes, wireless charger and a timetable for the week which was a really lovely touch!
My Week
Although I came to Elsby and Co with the interest in accountancy, the whole week was set up to give me an insight into the fundamental areas involved in the company with a day in admin, payroll and bookkeeping, marketing and two days spent with the accounts team.
I was shown how different software like Xero, IRIS and SAGE was used and how to use them for things like raising invoices on their software and sending them to clients to bill them, checking and publishing invoices, learning about VAT, completing bank reconciliation and many more.
I really enjoyed my two days in accounts on Thursday and Friday with Fabia working with the numbers. We drafted personal tax accounts and returns for several clients which were then overviewed by a manager who then sent them back to be finalised and sent off to the clients.
The week has given me an insight into this type of work and what a day-to-day routine is like for many people across the company, something I could possible see myself doing in the future.
My Thoughts
Coming into Elsby and Co to start my week I was slightly nervous to come into a different environment with unfamiliar faces but from the moment I came in I was warmly welcomed by the admin team at the reception desk.
Throughout my week, everyone at Elsby has been very welcoming and kind, offering me drinks and asking how I am getting on which is one reason I have enjoyed it. On Friday I even joined the accounts team for lunch at the pub!
I had daily overviews with Ann at the end of each day where I was asked how I had got on, what I learnt and what I enjoyed. This shows that they have interest in what I was doing, and she even asked what could be improved to make the experience even better for the next.
Overall I have had a great week and I would definitely recommend Elsby and Co to anyone who is wanting to gain some work experience, looking for a job or even wanting to become a client of theirs. They truly see value and interest in every part of the company and provide a wonderful experience for their employees and clients.
Laura – Year 12 Student
At Elsby, we try really hard to make sure that Training & Development is tailored to the individual, so if it sounds like your kind of place, drop us a message. We’re recruiting at all levels, and we want to talk to you!
Email – help@elsbyandco.co.uk