Why I Did An Apprenticeship With PKF Francis Clark

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Posted by Daniel Arberry - ATT/CTA Trainee on 10/02/2022

When I graduated university with a Maths degree, I didn’t know what I was going to do with my career. After months of applying for a range of finance and data analysis roles, I came across PKF Francis Clark who were recruiting graduates across their offices. The company immediately caught my interest. Some key points were the company’s passion for the South West region, the support they offered apprentices, and the structure of the application process. They also participate in regular charity and social events.

PKF Francis Clark offers a very competitive salary and fully supports apprentices in their studies and exams. After doing many exams through GCSE’s, A levels and university, I have developed my exam technique and revision skills to a very high level. Therefore, I knew that pursuing a career where I would have to pass exams to progress and earn qualifications would be beneficial to me.

At PKF Francis Clark, there is an opportunity to have a prestigious career. After qualifying and gaining experience, you have the autonomy to explore many different areas of audit and tax. Many employees go on to become Managers and Senior Managers. I was also surprised to learn how many employees reach the level of Partner, so there are lots of positions to strive for.

Most ambitious people who wish to succeed in a career in accounting aim to be employed at the Big 4. But I found that PKF Francis Clark would be a better place to work and grow as a professional. The company takes pride in being a South West exclusive company where you can enjoy the quiet and peaceful life of the countryside, while also experiencing a vibrant, big city job in places like Bristol and Exeter. Francis Clark is more relaxed than the Big 4, offering a stable work-life balance while maintaining similar salary rewards and other benefits.

The company have a hybrid working approach where you have the freedom to decide where to work each day. Working from home is a great option to save time and money on commuting, as well as focusing on projects without being distracted and enjoying the comfort of your own home. Online communication services and regular meetings allow you to stay connected to your colleagues. The office is always available and open to anyone who wishes to be in that environment to meet with colleagues and discuss work in more detail.

I have been surrounded by helpful people since the day I joined, including my ‘buddy’, Manager, supervising Partner, the People Team, the IT team, the Recruitment Team, the Marketing Team, and colleagues in similar positions to me. There will always be someone to help and support you.

Overall, PKF Francis Clark is a friendly and enjoyable place to work, that offers rewarding benefits and career progression. They support their employees and treat each member of staff with respect, no matter their job title.

If you would like to find out more about our early careers ACA, ATT-CTA or AAT accountancy apprenticeships, visit: pkf-francisclarkcareers.co.uk/early-careers