A Finance Graduate

On this week’s careers in construction, meet Tanaka, a Finance Graduate at Vistry Homes. Accountants ensure that companies or organizations are efficiently operating. They do this by accessing financial records of their clients. Duties include analyzing data, finance reports, budgets, tax returns, and accounting records of either organisations or clients’.

1. Why did you choose your career path?
I have always had an interest in commercial subjects and also enjoy problem solving therefore, a career in accounting & finance ticked both boxes for me. In addition, the flexibility it offers in terms of the industries you can work for, fits my ideology of not being limited.
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2. What did you study in school/university?
A-Levels: Business Studies, Psychology & Sociology. At university, I did my undergraduate studies in Accounting & Finance and a Master’s in Financial Technology.

3. What certifications are associated with your career?
The three main ones for accountants in the UK are ACA (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), ACCA  (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CIMA (​Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).

4. What advice do you have for someone looking to purse this career path?
I would say be flexible and open-minded about the opportunities you consider and apply for. First of all university isn’t the only route into accounting, I highly encourage people to consider school leavers’ & apprenticeship programmes. You get to study towards your chosen qualification and get relevant experience from the get go.
 
When it comes to job applications, just remember that the big 4 aren’t the only companies that need accountants! 
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