At Harold Sharp, we believe in nurturing talent and providing real-world experiences to Accounting & Finance students during their placement year. We sat down with our current placement student, Amy Borthwick, to get an insider’s view of her journey at Harold Sharp so far. Amy is a 3rd year Manchester Metropolitan University student and is 6 months into her placement at Harold Sharp.
Why did you decide to do a placement?
I chose to do a placement because I wanted the chance to experience what life is like as an accountant, so that I could make sure it was the right career choice for me. Learning the theory in the classroom is one thing, but living the day-to-day and gaining first-hand experience in the real world has been invaluable so far.
What have been your biggest challenges?
Before starting the placement, I was really nervous about adjusting to full-time working life in an office. I’d seen loads of content on TikTok about ‘breaking the 9-5 cycle’ and it made me feel like I shouldn’t be falling into the conventional ‘trap’. But, once I started, I realised that there was nothing to worry about! I really enjoy having a routine and it gives me the structure I need so I can still continue my hobbies and passions outside of work. Plus, I actually really enjoy coming in every day! I come in, the day flies by, and I can walk out the door at 5pm ready to enjoy my evening. I would say that it is difficult being the only one in my friendship group on a placement year as the rest have a lot more free time to socialise, but at least I’m getting paid!
What does your day-to-day entail?
Prior to joining, I had assumed that I’d be doing mostly bookkeeping, but I only really do this on Mondays and Fridays. For the rest of the week, I’m usually working on 2-3 small accounts jobs, where I do their year-end accounts using software like Iris. I’d been given this responsibility after only a month of working here, which is so much sooner than I’d expected and I’m really pleased to have been given that level of responsibility so early on. When I look back, I can’t believe how quickly I’ve built my confidence working on a set of accounts! I also regularly work alongside a trainee on a large e-Commerce client, which has given me a lot of exposure to more complex bookkeeping, as well as different software like Dext and Solvexia.
How did you find the application process?
I found Harold Sharp’s application process to be the simplest by far. They were very clear from the outset that there were two stages: first, the online form where I uploaded my CV, covering letter and answers to a few questions, then, I was invited to an in-person interview. Being able to go into the office really helped me get a sense of Harold Sharp’s culture, in comparison to other companies with multi-step application processes and online interviews. I came out feeling reassured that this was the place I wanted to work at… Then I crossed my fingers and my toes that I’d get a call back with an offer! I was so excited when that call came!
What has been the best part about working at Harold Sharp?
Overall, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how quickly the time is going. I feel like I’ve only been here a month, even though it’s been half a year! There’s so much to learn each day, so the hours fly by. Also, everyone here is so down-to-earth, which I hadn’t expected from an accounting firm! Other than the work, there’s been so much for me to get involved in- things like the quarterly breakfasts, charity days and regular social events. There are also about 8 other trainees in the company, which means that I have a good support network of peers that I can ask questions to or share successes with, and I never feel on my own.
What is one thing you’d tell yourself this time last year?
I would tell myself not to be so afraid! My biggest fear was that I was making a year-long commitment to an unknown. I had no idea whether or not I’d enjoy it, but it’s exceeded my expectations and I’m so glad that I applied.
Amy’s experience as a placement student at Harold Sharp is a testament to the value of hands-on experience and exposure to diverse aspects of the accounting industry. Her highlights and the clarity she has gained about her career path demonstrate the potential that a placement year can offer. At Harold Sharp, we encourage open communication from day one to ensure our students experience aligns with their expectations. Ultimately, we are here to help our students grow and develop, and to help them to make informed decisions about their future career in accounting.