David Cameron

Celebrating International Day of Accounting with David Cameron, Vice President of the LCASS

International Day of Accounting is an annual celebration to commemorate the publication of Luca Pacioli's book on double-entry bookkeeping in 1494 which is the bedrock of modern day accounting. In the modern day, International Day of Accounting is about the appreciation of the crucial work Accountants do and the recognition of their importance for business longevity and success. This year, we caught up with David Cameron of EY's Restructuring Team and Vice Presidentof the Leeds Chartered Accountants Student Society (LCASS) to gather his advice for those in the early days of their accounting career and insights about all things ACA.​Starting a Career in Accounting 1.What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in accounting?I would say the sooner you realise that all of the exams require a fair amount of work and can’t be blagged (no matter how easy you found A-levels or university), the better. ACA is tough but I think it is certainly passable for most people, as long as you put the work in. The next big piece of advice I would give is if you go into the initial mundane tasks, when you first start, with a positive can-do attitude, it goes such a long way. The people who go into tasks with that outlook often find they move onto much more interesting tasks, quickly. Finally, the last tip I’d give to anyone starting out in accountancy is start building your network straight away, not only will it benefit your career in the end when everyone climbs the ranks together, it is even more beneficial from a social point of view at the junior levels. People you meet at networking events will become your friends and just enhance your overall experience when you are starting out. 2.How can recent graduates make themselves stand out to potential employers?It sounds cliché but I think showing your personality in an interview and just being yourself is something people feel as though they shouldn’t do. I really believe that that’s by far the easiest way to stand out. The majority of applicants will also have a great CV, the way you will stand out is by the employer thinking that they will enjoy working with you every day. Picking an ACA Specialism 3.Can you share some insights on the different specialisms available whilst studying ACA?Audit and Assurance:Examining financial statements and processes to verify accuracy and provide confidence to stakeholders through regulatory compliance. Tax:Advice on tax planning, compliance or strategy, dependent on what department of tax you’re in. Transactions:This could be a role in Mergers & Acquisitions/Corporate Finance, Transaction Due Diligence or Restructuring. 4.How did you decide on your own specialism, and what influenced your choice?I work within the Restructuring service line and absolutely love it. I’d always had a big interest in how businesses work operationally, and Restructuring allows me to assist businesses through times of distress with the hope that we can help to provide a solution to save/improve the business. Being in the service line I am in, it has allowed me to think outside the box and use problem solving at work as there is never the same solution for each business in a time of crisis, with solutions ranging from running an accelerated sale process of the business to possibly refinancing its existing debt. What the ACA Has to Offer5.What are the key benefits of pursuing the ACA qualification?First and foremost, the comprehensive skillset you acquire through completion of the ACA qualification shouldn’t be overlooked as it allows you to apply knowledge you have learnt from topics/exams usually unrelated to your usual job role to situations where it is required or even personal situations. I believe that the practical work experience you gain (at least 450 days of practical work experience) whilst completing your ACA enables you to improve your technical skills at a far quicker rate as you are utilising knowledge you have learnt at work on a daily basis, to better your understanding of the technical aspects, something which you don’t get to do at university or school. I would say the largest benefit is realistically the career flexibility and opportunities it allows you to have access to. As mentioned above, there are so many different avenues that you can go down through having an ACA qualification. If you don’t like one role, you can quite easily try something different. 6.How does the ACA prepare accountants for the challenges both inside and outside of the profession?As touched on above, the comprehensive knowledge gained from an ACA qualification is fantastic and can be applied to so many different scenarios outside of an accountancy role, such as personal tax planning or even the strong financial acumen gained to assist with running your own business. ACA also of course reiterates the importance of ethical behaviour and integrity throughout your studying period which helps instil such traits into students. Learnings from this will help students make correct decisions at work or even in their own personal life when faced with difficult choices. Personal Journey into Accountancy 7.Can you tell us about your journey into accountancy and what inspired you to choose this career?I joined the EY Leeds Restructuring team back in 2020 via the school leaver programme. I probably got unlucky with the year I joined given we were in the midst of the pandemic, however, what I was certain of even back then was no matter what, I still just wanted to get into work rather than continue full time education. I was keen on the potential qualifications I would come out of university with; however, I knew that I had always much preferred working throughout school than the education side of things. I was drawn to the Restructuring apprenticeship due to the element of problem solving involved and the opportunity to leverage commercial skills. Admittedly, I wasn’t overjoyed about the prospect of 15 ACA exams, however, I knew the end goal was worth it and provided some incentive. Four years later and I have completed my ACA and my apprenticeship. I’d recommend this path to many, for the experience and level of qualification I’ve been able to obtain by such a young age, coupled with the opportunity to meet so many people that will be mates for life. 8.Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your career path?Nothing I would change that’s in my control. It would’ve been ideal to have joined at a time outside of the pandemic as it did effect the social side of things for the first year or so. ​To find out more about the ACA click here.​Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together. ​​

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From Practice to Industry: A Chartered Accountant’s Journey to Success

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Navigating the shift from professional practice to industry can be a daunting yet rewarding experience for accountants. In our latest interview, we sit down with Carter Christlo, an EMEA Financial Accounting & Reporting Controller at Insight, a Fortune 500 company specialising in business-to-business IT solutions.

With an impressive background as an ACA chartered accountant, Carter began his accounting career at KPMG before moving to Insight Direct, where he achieved his qualification. His unique perspective on transitioning from professional practice to industry offers invaluable insights for both aspiring and seasoned accountants.

In this comprehensive interview, conducted by our Senior Business Manager, Jack Curtis, we explore Carter's remarkable career journey, his strategic approach to personal and professional growth, and his practical advice for accountants aiming to make a similar transition.

Whether you are an aspiring accountant, an industry transition seeker, or a finance professional, this interview promises valuable insights to help you thrive in your career.

How did you find the transition into industry from professional practice whilst part-qualified?

Tough but incredibly rewarding. The transition from professional practice into industry is never easy, amplified by doing so when being part qualified. Becoming qualified was always an immediate priority but ultimately, I knew that I wanted to move into an environment where I could make a difference and add significant value, but also remain with a well-regarded and highly successful business.

What advice would you give to students completing ACA in industry?

Studying within professional practice has a lot of structure coupled with training alongside numerous peers going through similar exams / experiences. This was a stark difference when studying my ACA in industry, meaning I needed that motivation and commitment to complete. I sought out other avenues of learning off my own back as it suited my learning style, so the advice is certainly to find a learning method and adapt to a style best suited to you.

What main skillset has industry developed when compared to professional practice?

I have utilised all elements / skills from my time in Audit to take ownership on more projects, to which I am still learning and developing…that never stops! The question always remains…’Are you busy or are you Audit busy…? Which is an apt question in my opinion! Working in professional practice has given me the immediate focus and ability to successfully complete multiple, complex tasks at once, both from a technical and personal perspective. The softer skillset I have developed, when meeting a variety of high-profile clients and stakeholders has stood me in good stead when addressing senior stakeholders now - both internally and externally.

Originating in professional practice, do you think it’s given you a good grounding in being successful in industry?

In one word…absolutely! The exposure you receive from an Audit perspective is unparalleled (in my opinion) and has facilitated the success that I am experiencing now with Insight. Originating in professional practice gives a perspective that other sectors / industries wouldn’t do, especially to a variety of businesses via the rotations. My technical accounting ability gave me an immediate boost when I made the move originally due to the work I had been involved in prior. It has given a stable base where I can now continue my development down whichever avenue I see fit alongside the competency to do so. 

What factors did you consider when choosing a company to join?

Could they offer long term growth…and the personal fit were dealbreakers for me. Ultimately, I felt confident from a technical point of view so I knew I needed the right environment and company to ensure firstly I completed my qualification but equally could see further development in years to come. Inevitably things can change, but Insight have not only continued to support my technical development but personal growth too. I have had the pleasure of working for two businesses who put a genuine value on both those points.

Any other advice to give when considering a new opportunity?

My one piece of main advice would be to always remain brave. As Accountants we are built to mitigate risk, but this can potentially hold you back in your career, sometimes without realising at first. Remain goal orientated and ensure that those goals are being constantly reevaluated and measured against. Everyone’s journey is different, and you can never directly compare to anyone else, be brave to make those decisions and act on them when the time comes. At times growth will always feel like a risk and unnatural but remain confident in yourself and your ability whilst valuing the company you choose to work for not just the role / job that is on offer. Change is inevitable, embrace it don’t obstruct it. 

In conclusion, Carter's journey from professional practice to industry serves as a compelling blueprint for any accountant aiming to navigate a similar path. His candid reflections on the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed offer invaluable lessons for aspiring finance professionals. By leveraging the skills and experiences gained in professional practice, combined with a proactive approach to industry, Carter demonstrates that success is attainable with the right mindset and determination. As you consider your career trajectory, let Carter's story inspire you to seize new opportunities and continuously strive for personal and professional excellence.

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Note: If Carter's insights resonate with you and you are contemplating your next career move, our Sharp Consultancy experts are ready to guide you. Book a consultation to begin your journey towards achieving your career goals.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.