Meet Leo, our inspiring Trainee Accountant who is the youngest member of the Consortia team. Following his 18th birthday, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Leo to discuss his journey with us so far, the lessons he’s learned, and the advice he has for other young aspiring accountants. Leo’s enthusiasm and dedication have already made a significant impact on our team, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him.
How did you feel when you first joined our team?
It was a great feeling for me, a whole new experience. I had never worked in a professional setting prior to working at Consortia, and I knew there were plenty of things to learn right away. It was an exciting start for me.
What have been some of the most memorable experiences during your apprenticeship so far?
The first time I made a phone call to a supplier was one of the most memorable experiences, along with the first time I got to work in collaboration with the team and being able to understand the tasks that were being set out for me.
How has your understanding of accounting evolved since you started your apprenticeship?
It started as an interest and an idea at first, with little knowledge on the subject, just eager to learn. I am now 8 months down the line and have made a lot of progress. I have completed my Level 2 AAT in college and I am very comfortable working and helping colleagues.
What skills have you developed that you are most proud of?
Since joining Consortia, my organisational and social skills have developed massively, which is what I am most proud of. Working in a team with a wide range of colleagues and also working with suppliers/customers has greatly improved my confidence. Having to prioritise tasks each day to make sure deadlines are met has also improved my time management.
How do you stay motivated and continue learning in your role?
Looking to the future and setting long-term goals massively helps with motivation in my role. Being in college and the workplace simultaneously gives me two different experiences of learning, and each helps boost my progress as the skills are transferable.
What additional training or education do you plan to pursue?
I have now completed my AAT Level 2 certificate with a merit, and I plan to continue on to AAT Level 3 in September 2024. When the next term starts, I will be fully focused on Level 3, and perhaps Level 4 may well be a possibility in the future.
What advice would you give to other young people considering a career in accounting?
I think the main piece of advice I could give is to be committed. Before starting, it looks quite confusing on where and how to start your journey, and it’s quite scary not knowing if things will work out. After joining college and with a bit of persistence looking for a workplace, everything starts running smoothly once you have everything set out and your feet on the ground.
What do you think are the most important qualities for success in this field?
Focus and teamwork are the most important in my opinion. The accounts function doesn’t consist of a single person, and it is crucial to work well together with colleagues in a role where things need to be correct all of the time.
Do you have any plans or dreams you’d like to pursue in the future, either personally or professionally?
Personally, I would love to travel as much as possible and see the world and different cultures. I am also set on owning my own house before the age of 25, which is my biggest aim. Professionally, I want to progress as far as possible within the company, eventually become fully qualified, and potentially work towards Chartered Accountant status.
How would you describe the culture of our company to someone considering joining us?
Consortia is a great place to be. The office is friendly and supportive; everyone is happy to help and teach you new things, making it a perfect place to learn.
Jennifer Percy (Senior Finance Controller) said:
“It has been remarkable to see Leo progress so well in his first year with us. His passion for accounting and dedication to his work are evident in everything he does. Leo’s positive attitude has made him a beloved member of our team. As he celebrates his 18th birthday, we are excited to see how he continues to develop. Happy Birthday, Leo! Here’s to many more achievements and milestones ahead!”
