Employee Spotlight: Adam

Adam has just finished studying sports and exercise science at Banbury and Bicester college, and has recently completed his work experience with us here at Assure UK. He shall now be starting full time in September as a trainee accountant. We thought it would be a good idea if we got to know him a bit better and find out how he enjoyed his experience.

What did you learn whilst at Assure UK?

I learned I definitely wanted to go into accountancy, so at my age that is a huge benefit, having a clear goal to aim for is invaluable. I also learned that office jobs aren’t boring like the stereotype suggests. There’s always something to do, especially with accounting as you get to visit clients quite often and that is something I’m looking forward to.

Why did you want to get into accountancy?

I wanted to get into accountancy because I enjoy business and want to know how they work, also I’m pretty good with numbers so I thought that’s the job for me.

What has been the biggest challenge you faced whilst at Assure UK?

I’d have to say asking for help. I haven’t had to do it a lot before, but jumping into a new environment it is the best way to learn. At the start, I didn’t want to feel like I being an inconvenience, but I soon learned everyone is more than happy to help. As well as this, I learnt technical terms in accounting. Double entry and trial balance for example. If you had asked me what these meant a couple of weeks ago, I would have had no idea, but now I can confidently explain them. Also, I learnt a lot in my Xero cloud accounting training. Cloud accounting is going to be huge in the coming years so I am happy I have a solid understanding of it now.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

Panda, definitely. So, cute and cuddly something I aspire to be. That and they have a pretty great life too from what I can see.

What are your future career aspirations?

To become a fully qualified accountant first. Then I am hoping after getting 10-15 years under the belt I can launch my own accountancy business.

If you could visit any country which one would it be and why?

Hawaii, I think. It just looks so beautiful on television and in movies. It might be an obvious answer but who wouldn’t want to go. Maybe try some surfing. But seeing as I can only stand up and go in a straight line I may stay away from the monster waves.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at Assure UK?

I’d have to say it’s been the people in the office. They have made me feel like part of family from the outset, and are always happy to answer any of my questions, without making me feel like it was a silly question or I am wasting their time. It has really helped me to progress quickly.

What is your favourite TV show?

The Bing bang theory because it’s the only show that combines comedy and science which I enjoy equally. So, for me, it has the whole package.

If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?

Manuel Neuer. I am a goalkeeper myself so would love the opportunity to be the best goalkeeper in the world for a day. If I had to pick a day in particular it would be a world cup final. What an incredible experience that would be.

What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you?

I have quite old fashioned values so I would say my main motivation is my family. I want to make them proud. And what drives me, is to be the best I can be, I’d definitely say I am competitive but I feel this is a good personality trait to have.

What advice would you give a fellow student just about to start work experience?

Stick it through to the end, after a while you will understand more and gel with the company and then you will get a lot out of the experience. It’s like anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.