This week (6-12 February) is National Apprenticeships Week 2023, an opportunity for employers and apprentices to share their apprenticeship success stories, and encourage a new generation of apprentices. For our part, we are celebrating the career achievements of former RfM apprentice Joel Procter, who is now Client Manager at RfM Fylde, and our current cohort of apprentices.
What’s the best route to becoming an accountant?
You might assume, because accounting is a profession, that completing an accountancy degree would be the quickest and best way to progress in your career. Indeed, we’ve welcomed many graduates into accounting roles at RfM over the years. On the other hand, we’ve also welcomed many young people to start their accounting career journey with us as apprentices. One such apprentice, Joel Procter, started his training at RfM Fylde back in 2014. In 2022, he became the youngest Client Manager in the RfM Group – a fantastic achievement. Here’s his story.
Joel Procter, Client Manager, RfM Fylde
“I’d already decided I wanted to be an accountant before I started Sixth Form College, so I chose to study ‘A’ Levels in Business, Economics and Maths. Whilst still at college, I saw an ad for an Apprentice Accountant at RfM Fylde in Pilling; I applied and got the job. I started shortly after taking my ‘A’ Level exams.
“With an apprenticeship, you work within your employer’s business whilst also going to college one day a week. This meant I was gaining valuable, on-the-job experience – and earning some money – at the same time as studying for my formal accounting qualifications.
“Within three years, I had passed my Level 4 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification with Distinction. After a short break from studying, I started working towards my ACA (Chartered Accountant) exams as a Level 7 apprentice. I was able to do this because the training was 90% funded, saving RfM literally thousands in fees.
“I passed my final ACA exam in November 2020 becoming a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. After talking about my further career progression with the company, I became Client Manager in 2022. I now work more closely with clients, advise on more complex cases and manage a small team.
“I may be biased, but I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship as the best route to becoming an accountant, especially since the introduction of the higher, Level 7 apprenticeship. You get first-hand experience of doing the job, achieve your professional qualifications, and get paid – in the same time as it would take with a Degree.”
Jake Brook, Apprentice Payroll Assistant Level 3
Now in the final phase of his 18-month apprenticeship, Jake is on track to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals later this year. Jake tells us he is glad he chose an apprenticeship over going to college full-time as a school leaver. “I like that I’m getting hands-on experience of the job; you definitely pick it up quicker than learning it in a classroom. And my colleagues in the Payroll team are really supportive too,” says Jake.
Carmen Brown, Apprentice AAT Level 3 Accounts Technician
Carmen first got a taste of life at RfM during a work experience placement whilst still at school. When an apprenticeship opportunity came up the following year, Carmen was invited to apply and began her 12-month training last spring. We’re pleased to report that Carmen passed her Level 2 AAT just last week and will now start working towards her Level 3 qualification. “I like every aspect of the work I do at RfM,” says Carmen. “I now do bookkeeping and prepare some accounts, and I also have the opportunity to cover staff at different offices.”
Kiera Allinson, Apprentice AAT Level 2 Accounts Technician
Keira joined the team at RfM Ulverston in October 2022 and, when she has completed her 1-year apprenticeship, will be qualified as a bookkeeper. “I chose to do an apprenticeship as it’s an opportunity to be paid whilst training. My colleagues at RfM have been really helpful and, so far, the part of my job I enjoy best is processing invoices,” says Keira.
We wish all our current apprentices the very best of luck with their ongoing training.
We currently have a vacancy for an Apprentice Accounts Technician (to study AAT Level 2 or 3) at our Fylde office in Pilling. If you are interested in applying, please send your CV by email to our Group Practice Manager, Mandi Davidson, mdavidson@rfm-more.co.uk