Hi, my name is Stephen, and I am an ACA trainee at Alwyns LLP. I graduated from the University of East Anglia with a degree is business finance and management, where I found myself specifically enjoying the accountancy modules.

Working for a HAT firm has allowed me to gain experience in completing work on businesses in many different industries, while working closely with audit seniors and managers who have been able to help me develop my skills along the way, which is something that may have not been available if working at a larger company. It also allows you to build a bit more of a personal connection with audit clients for example, which again may not have been possible if working for a bigger firm.

I found the initial training program incredibly helpful. Along with the tuition courses towards the exams, I was also able to attend the HAT training courses, which helped me to apply what I had been learning during my studies into more practical scenarios, similar to what I would be dealing with in the workplace on a day to day basis.

As expected, the exams are very challenging and difficult, with each requiring you to showcase different knowledge and skills. However with a lot of hard work it is very rewarding once you start completing them whilst trying to balance work at the same time.