Accounting department’s experience is adding up!

As part of our company ethos, it’s extremely important to us that we support young people to develop the experience they need to grow as an individual and as an employee within our hospital.

We’re proud to have been supporting our accounting apprentice Jack Coney over the last year on his journey to accounting excellence, and we’re thrilled that he has recently passed his Level Three Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification.

Level Three is an advanced level of AAT qualification which gives Jack the skills and knowledge he needs to work in finance, accountancy or a bookkeeping role. 

As part of the qualification five assessments must be completed on a range of topics including indirect tax and final accounts preparation, an introduction to management accounting and costing. The topics are all designed to expand a participant’s knowledge of working in finance and can help to build greater confidence and understanding of the role accountants play in a business.

The qualification usually takes around six to seven months to complete but Jack’s progress was delayed by the pandemic and it has taken ten months to complete.

There has also been a significant reduction in the tutoring time that would usually take place in the classroom as part of the course, but Jack has taken this all in his stride and adapted to using the online resources and books provided to learn remotely.

Adding this feather in his cap has allowed Jack to learn more skills which can be implemented into his daily role in our accounting department – and as a result he will now be assisting our team with more demanding tasks.

Apprenticeships are a great way to enter employment earlier and offer lots of potential to gain the skills and knowledge needed to progress in a specific industry quickly.

Jack has the following message for anyone considering an apprenticeship:

“Go for it, it has been a brilliant experience. Not only do you get the experience of working full time, but you can also earn great qualifications alongside it.

“Time management is key as exams approach, but if you put the effort in you will be rewarded.”

Jack started at St Hugh’s Hospital in February 2019 and has since built on his confidence and communication skills, all while acclimatising to working in an office environment.

Jack is being supported by our Financial Controller Ged Rule, who is mentoring him in his work and college studies.

Ged added: “2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone, and COVID-19 has had a profound effect on all of us here at the hospital.

“However, Jack has been patient, has kept up his studies during this period and has also learnt a lot in the office, which will bode well for him this coming year.

“It is a great example to all young people that good can come out of bad and if you are prepared to work at it, an Apprenticeship is an ideal way to start your journey in life.”

We’d like to say a huge well done to Jack for his achievement; we look forward to seeing him put this to good use in the future. Find out more about what it’s like to work at St Hugh’s via our careers page.