Whilst the end product can be a rewarding career, the road to get there can be challenging at times. Here we speak to Rebecca Sim who is currently working in a full-time accountancy position whilst studying towards her ACCA qualification.
Why accountancy?
I wasn’t enjoying Sixth Form and really wanted to get out of that style of learning. I knew I didn’t want to give up on my education so I applied to college to do a Business and Admin Apprenticeship. I had two interviews, one with an estate agent and the other with a firm of accountants. The accountants offered me the job as an accounts junior/admin assistant and the rest is history, so you could say accountancy chose me!
How long have you been studying/working in accountancy?
I have worked in accountancy for 5 and a half years and I have done studies the whole time apart from 1 year which was in between finishing my AAT and starting my ACCA qualifications.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
I love crafting and making things! I am a very keen knitter and dabble a bit with crochet too, but I will try any craft, I just love to be able to say, “I made that”.
How do you balance time for the above when working?
I am quite fortunate that my hobby doesn’t really demand continued commitment. If I don’t feel like doing anything then I won’t, but if I’m really invested in a project then I’ll have it in my hands nearly every evening after work.
Describe a typical week in the run up to exams.
This will involve coming to work and studying at lunchtime, then when I get home I will have a quick catch up with my partner and then it’s back to studying until about 9pm. I will then either unwind with some television or just go straight to bed.
How do you balance working and studying at the same time?
It can be hard and stressful, especially if you’ve had a rubbish day at work and all you want to do is curl up on the sofa, but you have to think of the long game. If I make the sacrifices now then in 2/3 years’ time I will have all the spare time in the world. Having said that you do have to allow time for yourself, even if it’s just half an hour here and there, you can’t work 24/7 and you don’t help yourself by trying.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering accountancy as a career what would it be?
Learn the difference between and debit and a credit!
Finally, would you recommend accountancy as a career?
Yes. Although I have only been in this career for a relatively short amount of time compared to other people I really enjoy my job. I enjoy the challenges and constant learning and problem solving. However, you do need to have a sense of humour!
We hope the above has provided you with a snapshot of a what a career in accountancy could be like and whilst everyone’s experience is different you never know if you don’t try. This time next year we could be interviewing you for an article!
If you interested in a career in accountancy or wish to discuss our services please feel free to contact us.