Trainee Chartered Accountant
Steven Smillie
Qualifications
Bacc (Hons) Stirling University, Second year of Chartered Accountancy training
Current role
As a second year trainee I prepare statutory accounts and go out on audits for lots of different types of client. This is intermingled with weeks on block release being taught at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland for my accountancy exams.
Why I’m with Henderson Loggie
The main reason I chose to come to Henderson Loggie, was the people. Everyone, including the partners, is down to earth and very approachable. I wanted experience in the different areas of accountancy such as accounts preparation, charities, public sector and both internal and external audit, rather than just specialising in one area. While I was training I also wanted a firm where there would not be hours of unpaid overtime after a hard days work on top of studying for exams each evening.
Never a dull day
I like the variety of work, there is always something new to learn, and with our broad range of clients in different sectors no two jobs are ever the same.
A genuine interest in our clients
Our clients are all so interesting, from the household names to the sole trader, the work we do is important to them all and it gives great job satisfaction to know that we can make a real difference to their businesses. This is no more apparent than for our charity clients who provide services that really can change lives.
Getting more responsibility
I have recently started my second year and I am about to be trained up as our office pensions audit expert and sent out on jobs by myself; it is great to be given this responsibility early on in my training and at the same time know that I will be supported as my capabilities expand.
Part of a growing firm
It’s exciting working in an expanding firm with new clients all the time, it means there are constantly new opportunities to work in different parts of the firm and to develop your career after you qualify.
A good day is when …
You have been able to solve a client’s complex accounting problem using your training and at the same time have taught their staff how to deal with the issue in the future, leaving a very satisfied client.
A bad day is when …
All the figures don’t quite add up, and a headache sets in!
Advice for graduates joining the firm
As I was told on my first day “You’re really going to love working here”.