NURTURING YOUNG TALENT IS IMPORTANT TO THE TEAM AT HAINES WATTS SWINDON

As National Apprenticeship Week arrives (from February 6), one of Swindon’s leading accountancy firms is celebrating its young talent and pointing out that apprenticeships are not the only route to a great career for enthusiastic and committed young people.

Currently at Haines Watts there are two young adults who have taken on roles as audit and accounts trainees through a traineeship and a university placement. 

Shalini Roy (20) is a former student of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and is studying for a degree in accountancy and management at the University of Reading. She’s completed two years of her course and is now doing a year’s placement before returning to complete her final year at the end of 2023.

“Working at Haines Watts has been a really good experience as the entire team are friendly and welcoming. Every day you learn something new, even if it’s a tiny Excel trick. I have gained knowledge in preparing year end accounts for clients and VAT returns with the assistance of my helpful colleagues. 

“I have also done many bookkeeping jobs. Even smaller jobs like completing a cashbook analysis, posting a trial balance, or finishing a tax analysis is enjoyable as these are jobs that they don’t teach you at university. 

“I will continue to develop new skills and gain more knowledge in the upcoming months. I believe I will be able to apply this in my studies and I will be able to share my knowledge with my friends studying the same course as me.”

Another young member the Haines Watts team is Ryan Leigh (18) who is a former student of The Ridgeway School, Wroughton, near Swindon. 

“After leaving school at 16, I went straight into the finance industry completing my level 2 AAT qualification elsewhere. Haines Watts has offered an open and welcoming atmosphere that has allowed me to comfortably become part of the team and become a valued member of the workplace.

“Over the coming years, I would like to earn my Level 3 and 4 AAT qualifications and move into a position where I can offer those who are new to the company the support and guidance I have received. Overall, I would like to be in a position where I hold some responsibility and leadership as I believe I thrive as a leader and can bring new and exciting leadership qualities to the table.”

Mike Lloyd, managing partner of Haines Watts Swindon, is an advocate of bringing young talent into the company and also the sector as a whole.

“We need young people coming through and all accountancy firms can play a part in encouraging and nurturing the accountants of tomorrow. I had that support when I was younger, and you never forget those who support you and mentor you in the early days of your career.” 

To find out more about working with the Haines Watts team, they will be exhibiting at the UK Careers Fair at the County Ground in Swindon on Wednesday March 29 or get in touch via their website here - https://www.hwca.com/accountants-swindon/