1. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Edward (Leicester office) ‘After finishing my A-Levels I was really unsure as to what to do. I had offers from university on the table but I decided that university wasn’t for me, and that I should get a proper job. AAT at MH gave me the opportunity to continue my studies, gain a qualification and get some practical work experience at the same time. The topics covered by AAT fed well into my work life and helped me progress and develop my career with MH, and I have no regrets of choosing AAT over university.’

2. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Dominic (Bedford office) ‘I feel that AAT to ACA route is a great opportunity for somebody, like myself, who is looking for a career in accountancy but does not want to go to university in order to do so. The extra experience I have gained from working before studying towards ACA has helped greatly. This route has allowed for a greater understanding of accountancy. I would highly recommend this route to anybody in school keen on becoming an accountant.’

3. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Sarah (Bedford office) ‘I had looked into career paths into accountancy and decided that the best one for me would be through the school leaver programme as I was sure I didn’t want to go to university. By both studying AAT and working at the same time, I have not only gained invaluable work experience but been able to improve my accounting knowledge whilst putting this into practice. I have now completed AAT and am beginning studies for ACCA in March. The school programme is an excellent way to get into accountancy and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to pursue an accounting career.’

4. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Luke (Milton Keynes office) ‘The school leaver programme is an excellent opportunity into the accountancy sector. In my final year of sixth form I was undecided on whether university or work would be the best route. Having received both job and university offers I was able to weigh up the opportunities of both and decided to take up the job. I was thrown straight in, with opportunities to visit clients while receiving on-the-job training. Working while studying for the AAT qualification is a good grounding that enables new trainees to gain experience that helps with their studies, builds character and develops their professional expertise. Completion of the AAT also acts as a great springboard into the ACA qualification allowing you faster access to it than a university course, combined with real life work experience that complements the study.’

5. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Anna (Northampton office) ‘I joined MacIntyre Hudson as a school leaver nearly two years ago. University had never really appealed to me and so I started looking into alternative career routes. For me, studying whilst you work was the best choice. MacIntyre Hudson not only helps with your education in obtaining highly regarded qualifications but also gives valuable work experience in this industry that you wouldn’t get at university. As well as studying for my AAT qualification, my job role is an audit trainee. In this area of accountancy you are in contact with clients on a regular basis and get to travel all over the country. I would thoroughly recommend this programme to anyone.’

6. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Natisha (Northampton office) ‘From the beginning, my main goal was to become a Chartered Accountant, my plan was to go to university and then take my professional papers afterwards. However, I then learned about the AAT – ACA route which MacIntyre Hudson have provided me with, allowing me to avoid £40k+ university debt. My training contract has provided me with real life practical experience, which goes hand in hand with what I learn at college. I feel like I have progressed very quickly and it has opened a huge range of opportunities for me.’

7. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Shane (North London office) ‘I felt the AAT/ACA route was an excellent stepping stone into accountancy, allowing me the opportunity to gain a wide range of knowledge. The chance to learn whilst you earn is also a great benefit. Getting an offer from a top 20 firm was one I could not refuse. Since joining I’ve gained invaluable experience from my colleagues whose drive for success is infectious, within a week I caught the bug and I now too possess that drive!’

8. © MHA MacIntyre Hudson 2012 Routes into accountancy Tom (North London office) ‘I felt that the AAT-ACA fast route track was the most beneficial way into accountancy and a good start to building a successful career. This route is not only about the qualification but also the valuable work experience gained along side this. Client interaction and a constantly changing environment provide you with an opportunity to bring the best out of yourself on a personal level. MH has been supportive and really encouraged my development. If you’re willing to put in the work in, the opportunities are endless!’