The power of a placement
CONNOR LIMRICK tells us about his year at Page Kirk and how this time with the firm has really helped to broaden his horizons.
As part of my Economics course at Loughborough University, there is a strong expectation that students will consider a placement year – something I had always intended to do. Although I knew I wanted a year in work, I didn't know much else; location, industry, or even how to start. This was the first time I was undertaking such a task and, despite the research you can do, it is difficult to fully understand the expectations. That can make it quite a daunting prospect. Though I didn't appreciate it at the time, I was fortunate enough for my search to leave me where I am.
The work I've undertaken has given me opportunities to experience various aspects of the industry, which is much vaster than I could have known. This was important to me, as a placement student with little idea where his career is going, or even where he might want it to go. It allowed me to gain an understanding of finance and accounting.
I started my placement in the tax department, where a large part of the work related to tax returns for individuals, partnerships and trusts, but I experienced much more thanks to clients' differing situations and needs. I was taught about the relevant processes, software and requirements before being allowed to independently get to work. I had a dedicated 'teacher' for the first the few weeks, who sacrificed most of his time to aid me whilst I was starting, but I was always able to speak to anyone with any questions or difficulties I may have had (and I had a few).
Later, I was given the responsibility of managing a portfolio of clients – a challenge which brought many new challenges, the biggest being acting as main contact at the firm for these clients. Throughout my time in Tax, I developed a wide array of practical and technical knowledge, which I enjoyed putting to use to create tax efficiencies and lower the clients' tax liabilities.
After six months, I moved to the Audit and Accounts department. Here, I have been responsible for the preparation of financial statements for sole traders, partnerships, trusts and limited companies. Page Kirk offers a unique experience which allows you to work this process from start to finish; from bookkeeping, to accounts prep and finalisation. I have also had the opportunity to get involved in multiple audits, which provided opportunities to further my expertise in another sector of our industry, gaining additional insights into other industries.
Throughout my placement, I completed the certificate levels of the ACA qualifications. This was similar to university learning, where you get paid leave to go to college and study for the relevant exams. The ACA is a prestige qualification, which they recommend should take between three and five years, so being able to complete the first year whilst on placement has put me a step ahead when becoming a graduate. Given this qualification is globally recognised as one for the highest achievers, the opportunity to achieve this award will put anyone in an unmatched position for their future career prospect. I was always fully supported, and was provided a generous amount of time to prepare, which allowed me to fully focus on both work and study, but never at the same time (unlike some stories you hear from other firms).
The culture at Page Kirk has been another highlight of my year. From a professional viewpoint, it is extremely enjoyable, with what feels like very little hierarchy. I always feel comfortable providing my honest opinion and contributing suggestions in any situation and have been encouraged to question things. I am able speak to any one of my colleagues, including managers and partners, who are always available for you. They respect your idea or question, whether it's business-related or personal. It is simply an extension of the friendly and sociable relationships seen across the entire firm. Moving to Nottingham by myself, it was convenient gaining group of friends from the start, where socialisation is far from limited by the 9 to 5. Regular post-work drinks, frequent nights out, occasional sporting events, and (the not so) formal work events have all been an enjoyable experience.
My placement year at Page Kirk has provided me with more than I even knew I wanted. It has been an interesting and eye-opening insight into adulthood, remarkably informative and educational. But more importantly, Page Kirk has provided me with continuous opportunities, it has been entertaining, and I have come out of it with the clarity I was searching for at the start.
Our placement and graduate schemes are now open for applications. Find out more here. https://www.pagekirk.co.uk/about-us/recruitment