I was fortunate to gain broad experience from the very beginning of my career. As I progressed, I worked across a wide range of industries, including steel stockholding, construction, ferry services, garment manufacturing and importing, and accounting services.

I supported businesses ranging from small companies to multi-million-pound organisations, gaining experience across management accounts, financial reporting, VAT, payroll, CIS, accounts payable, accounts receivable and rental income management. I also worked alongside external auditors, giving me valuable insight into the importance of accurate records and sound financial processes.

Eventually, I moved into a role preparing year-end accounts and tax returns. I still remember my first one, what I can now work through much more efficiently took me almost the whole month back then! But that’s how you learn: by getting into the detail, asking questions and figuring things out.

At the same time, I was studying accounting, which meant I could put what I learned into practice almost immediately. That combination of study and real-world experience gave me a strong practical foundation, and taught me that accounting is about much more than simply getting the numbers to balance.

And yes, I’ve even been through HMRC inspections — and there’s nothing quite like the feeling when everything is confirmed to be in order!