Meet some of our Apprentices

Based in the East Midlands

Laura-Ann Phillips

Position | Accounts Trainee /Junior

Training provider | EMA | AAT Level 4

What made you apply to be an accounts apprentice?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left Uni, I initially started work in a pharmacy whilst deciding what career path to take.

My oldest sister was studying AAT at the time, and I had a look at her books and started AAT level 2 alongside my pharmacy job.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship with Haines Watts?

The study support, and also having a little bit of experience in industry, I wanted to see what practice was all about.

Random/quick fire questions

Win the lottery or win an election ? Lottery

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Teleportation – I’d visit all the different countries I want to see.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Hopefully fully qualified – or at least close to!

After that I secured a job in Industry as a accounts assistant, but there was no study support and I wanted to carry on with my qualifications so I applied to join Haines Watts and since joining can say the study support has been fantastic!

Why would you recommend it to others?

It's a great way to earn an income and work whilst you study.

Will Westbury

Position | Accounts Assistant

Training provider | Babington College | AAT Level 4

What made you apply to be an accounts apprentice?

I went to college for business and I didn’t want to go back. I enjoyed the finance side more so I thought I’d try accounting and I’ve been doing it for two and a half years now.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship with Haines Watts?

It is a large firm nationally, and the office I joined has a lot of growth protentional and I wanted to be a part of that growth.

Random/quick fire questions

Win the lottery or win an election ? Lottery

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Speed

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Still getting more qualifications!

What do you like doing outside of work? Outside of work I am in the gym, on my PC and if the weather permits, I like to play golf.

What tips would you give someone who is coming along for an accounts apprentice interview?

Be confident, be prepared with your own questions as they show what you want from the company as well.

What's your ultimate ambition?

A mix of specialising in an area whilst becoming a partner in the firm.

Amelia Lockie

Position | Accounts Semi senior

Training provider | Kaplan | ACCA

What made you apply to be an accounts apprentice?

I was always interested in learning more about accountancy and what it entails, an apprenticeship was the best route to explore that journey as you get first hand experience from what is learnt in the classroom.

Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely, I have no regrets!

Why did you choose an apprenticeship with Haines Watts?

Employee anecdotes across social media platforms always expressed how good the company was to work for with lots of fun events and a huge profile of different clients.

Random/quick fire questions

Win the lottery or win an election? Lottery

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Invisibility

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? A fully qualified chartered accountant, possibly starting/started a tax qualification such as CTA with Haines Watts.

Did you enjoy maths at school?

Yes – but I would say high level maths is not essential in accountancy, just a good basic understanding.

What other subjects did you enjoy?

History & Music

Shaun Bolton

Position | Accounts Semi senior

Training provider | BPP | ACA

What made you apply to be an accounts apprentice?

I tried a few other industries and had a few jobs but never found anything I really liked. I remember enjoying doing accountancy at A-levels and I have always been interested in the ins and outs of business. Being an accounts apprentice allows me to have this insight into businesses while also doing something I really enjoy.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship with Haines Watts?

Seemed the right environment to assist me in my development. Everyone was really friendly and they seemed to take a genuine interest in me as a person.

Random/quick fire questions

Win the lottery or win an election ? Lottery!

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Ability to be lucky.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Fully Qualified Accountant.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to watch and play all kinds of sports.

Why would you recommend it to others?

It’s a great way to get you foot into the door and get experience that you cannot get anywhere else. It is the quickest way to develop your skill while also earning money at the same time.

What's your ultimate ambition?

Not sure, potentially work for myself and have my own clients.

Katherine Rich

Position | Accounts Senior

Training provider | Kaplan | ACA

What tips would you give someone who is coming along for an accounts apprentice interview?

I don’t think an apprenticeship interview is any different than a normal job interview generally – your employer is looking for an employee above an apprentice. The only thing I would say is have an understanding of the steps involved in the qualification process if you’re starting out.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship with Haines Watts?

I wanted to work in a solely Accounts focused role, which was being advertised, and I liked the people and the atmosphere of the office.

Random/quick fire questions

Win the lottery or win an election ? The lottery

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Flight

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Hopefully considerably further up the ladder, now that I’m qualified!

What do you like doing in your spare time? I’m more of a creative person in my free time.

What tasks/area of your role do you enjoy?

I like problem solving, helping colleagues and clients, and I really enjoy accounts preparation work.

What's your ultimate ambition?

I’d like to continue to develop in my current role and am open to opportunities to take on more responsibility as they arise.

Moosa Ahmed

Position | Audit Trainee

Training provider | Kaplan | ACA

Why would you recommend being an audit apprentice with Haines Watts to others?

It’s a great opportunity to get your chartered qualification whilst earning. As well as providing a good balance of real life work experience and interactions with clients whilst you are learning.

Did you enjoy Maths at school?

I enjoyed the problem solving aspect of maths and even tutor GCSE maths on weekends.

Random/quick fire questions

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Time control so that I could pause time and have a lie in every morning.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself:

What would you be doing if you weren't doing this? Pastry School What is your favourite book? The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller What's your favourite/Dream location? Tromso-Norway

What led you to a career in accountancy?

I fell into accounting by chance. I've always had an interest in a career in finance, starting out in the audit team provides great exposure to all kinds of industries that will set me up for the future..

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My audit team for sure!

Kieron Fowler

Position | Accounts Assistant

Training provider | Kaplan | ACA

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me could vary quite a bit , but it always starts with referring to my job list so I can manage my workload. Then I get down to the task of the day which may be cracking on with accounts prep or some bookkeeping if it’s a busy VAT quarter. It can vary quite a lot with my role.

What do you enjoy about working at Haines Watts and your role?

I like the variety of work I get to do be it tax or accounts preparation and also, I like the people here!

Random/quick fire questions

Win the lottery or win an election ? Lottery

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Time travel

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? I see myself being chartered and in a specialist role of some description.

How do you find studying and working at the same time?

It’s definitely a balance you have to find and sometimes you have to say no to other commitments, but I think once you get a routine down it is satisfying being that busy.

Sam Muscutt

Position | Audit Trainee

Training provider | Kaplan | ACA

What does a typical day look like for you?

Working through audit sections of a different client each day/week. My favourite part about audit, is the exposure to businesses and the professionals and experts who run them. The more audit work I participate in, the more I learn from the client and the team.

What do you enjoy about working at Haines Watts and your role?

Within audit I view the full areas of the balance sheet, P&L and financial statements, therefore application of theoretical underpinning is applied as the theory is learned and applied.

Random quick fire questions

Win the lottery or win an election ? Lottery Invest/Focus on national parks and/or sea front globally to aid in sustainability and animal welfare/clean & safe environments

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower of choice? Speak to animals, I would love to know what my cats and dogs are thinking.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Progressing and moving up the career ladder at Haines Watts.

How do you find studying and working at the same time?

College schedule and home study is planned effectively around client work. This ensures that sufficient time is designated to both work and study, discussed on an ongoing basis, topic by topic, with flexibility and sufficient support provided when needed.