International Women’s Day is Friday 8th March and to celebrate we took the opportunity to speak to some of the women in our management team about what advice they would give to women starting their careers in accountancy today.
Laura Adams, Accounts Manager
Don’t be afraid to say if you are struggling, whether with a job, study, or something else. Asking for help isn’t a failure but how you grow and develop your skills.
Gemma Bradbury, Audit Manager
Find a mentor, if possible another woman in a more senior position, who you can learn from and go to for advice as they’ve likely already been through whatever you’re going through.
Peta Grace, Accounts Manager
As someone who has been through a career change to get to my current position, I would say take a free taster course prior to starting pursuing accountancy to get some basic knowledge to see if it’s a career for you and to then have some knowledge to take into an interview.
Hermione Waterfield, Audit Manager
Consider carefully what you want from your career and for your life and make sure your choice of employer and job fits with this. This might include thinking about what environment you will be working in (will you get your own desk or is it hot-desking?); whether significant travel and overnight stays are required; or what the culture and policies of a place of work are (e.g. approach to overtime, maternity benefits, etc.). Ask yourself if these are compatible with what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarifications before accepting a job.
Thank you to Gemma, Peta, Hermione and Laura for your time and advice for women starting in accountancy. As a training firm we regularly take on associates just beginning their training journeys, and ensuring all our trainees are well supported is imperative to us. Our Director of Accounting, Jane Bull remarks
“At Wenn Townsend we have many training routes to achieve the ACA or ACCA qualification, from campus style study at Reed Business school via the apprenticeship scheme, to ad hoc remote exam study. It is key to find the route that is best for you and at Wenn Townsend we will support you to find what suits your study style.
Our training environment supports all our trainees throughout their development and as they progress throughout the firm. In particular, our return to work policy following maternity/paternity leave has recently been overhauled ensuring keeping in touch days are available to those in advance of their return to work, and CPD provided to ensure new parents are comfortable returning to the workplace. With the ability to work from home and flexible working hours we are able to support men and women who may have additional responsibilities outside the workplace to continue their work and with experience, develop into senior management.”
If you’re thinking of a career in accountancy do get in touch with Andrew Rodzynski to discuss opportunities and your future career with us.