From the West Coast to the East Midlands

This autumn, we've been delighted to welcome a new member of the team – at least temporarily! It's Alex Baron, who's on secondment from Wheeler Accountants in California. While our own Tom Johnson is spending time on the west coast of America, Alex has come to sample life in Nottingham. We caught up with her to see how things are going.

How long are you spending in the UK?

I arrived on 1st October and will be working in total for 10 weeks at Page Kirk then travelling afterwards for two weeks in Europe.

Tell us about you and your career so far

I graduated from CSU Monterey Bay in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on accounting. I started working at Wheeler Accountants in June 2020 and have been there since. I received my CPA license in November 2021.

How are you finding living and working in the UK so far?

Living and working in the UK has been great! The team is very helpful, and I have learned a lot in my time here. I have loved exploring Nottingham outside of work and am excited to visit other places, including London.

How did the exchange come about?

My firm, Wheeler Accountants, was contacted by Page Kirk about this opportunity. Matt Wheeler, managing partner, had done an exchange when he was younger so jumped on the chance to send me over.

How does the exchange work?

I will be working at Page Kirk for 10 weeks while Tom Johnson will be working at Wheeler for 10 weeks.

Why did you put yourself forward for the work exchange programme?

When my firm announced this opportunity, I was surprised and excited about it! I had never heard of it before and thought it would be an amazing experience.

What do you hope to get out of the exchange?

I hope to learn about accounting for different industries, as I have mainly worked on non-profits with Wheeler. I also want to see how another firm operates and ways I can help Wheeler become better.

What type of projects are you hoping to work on?

I'm hoping to work on audits while I am here so I can grow my knowledge for when I go back. However, I am happy to work on accounts, as it will help me learn more.

Any highlights so far?

Getting to know everyone on the team has been a huge highlight along with the events I have attended so far, including the NCASS ball and Page Kirk boat party.

What are you hoping to see and do in the UK?

I'm excited to go to London and see the main attractions. Otherwise, I'm just taking it as it comes and looking forward to just exploring the UK with others.

How do you think the exchange will help you develop, personally and professionally?

I think the exchange will help me professionally as I will learn new ways to perform work on audits and become more confident in my knowledge. I believe this exchange will also help me develop personally as I will be connecting with more people.

Any thoughts on working at Page Kirk?

Page Kirk is a great firm to work for as everyone is helpful and will answer any questions you have.

Any advice on anyone wanting to do a work exchange is another country?

I recommend just taking everything in and being open minded.

Do you want to be part of the Page Kirk team? Our graduate and placement schemes are now open for applications. Click here to find out more.