Student Placement Scheme
Luke Shacklock joined Page Kirk in September 2016 for a 1 year placement on our placement scheme. Read about what he thought of his experience with us in his own words.
Since joining Page Kirk in September 2016, I have had the enviable opportunity of a truly remarkable first step in what I foresee to be a long and successful career. With two years of prior study at Nottingham Trent University for an undergraduate degree in Accounting & Finance, I began my placement with a grounding foundation in the principles of tax and accountancy. However, just twelve months at Page Kirk has taught me more than any classroom ever could!
My placement experience began in the Taxation department, filing self-assessment tax returns for a broad range of individuals, partnerships and trusts, and advising clients on their liabilities. Within a few weeks, I found myself tasked with more advanced work with aspects of tax planning and analysis being entrusted with me. I was soon able to work very autonomously by my manager, and a number of responsibilities for the remainder of my time in the Tax department.
In February I moved into the Audit department of Page Kirk, and found myself quickly thrown into a new set of challenges. I was tasked with statutory accounts preparation and the corresponding corporation tax computations. However, the main focus of this time at Page Kirk was on Audit work out at various clients’ premises. This has been a particularly exciting aspect of my placement as I have been able to acquire in-depth understanding of many clients’ businesses around the East Midlands.
Page Kirk has allowed me to apply the theory of my studies to the practice of the real world, and challenged me to further my knowledge in a wide range of areas including: Personal and Corporation Tax, VAT, UK Accounting Standards and Audit compliance. These skills will be invaluable to my final year back at Nottingham Trent University this autumn, where I hope to secure a first class degree. I look forward to furthering my career with Page Kirk after my degree now I have been offered the fantastic opportunity to return to the firm on the ACA training scheme - a sign of Page Kirk seeks to invest in the employees that it values.
I would strongly recommend this placement scheme to any student seeking the opportunity to become a Chartered Accountant; as part of a small team of skilled and talented individuals, you are guided to reach your potential by others who have started from your position and understand how best to direct you to success. As you integrate into your department, you feel like you are a truly important part of the business, and not just a small cog in a large machine.
If you are interested in a placement starting September 2018 we will be at the following recruitment fairs. Come and have a chat with us!
- 18 October 2017 - Nottingham University Careers Fair booking: Finance, Consulting and Management Fair
- 23 October 2017 - Loughborough University Autumn Graduate Recruitment and Placement Fair
- 25 October 2017 - NTU Placement and Graduate Recruitment Fair