Deciding on a career change and returning to university has paid off for Hall Morrice employee Peter Manson who has been named best final year student in the accountancy and finance BA (Hons) degree course at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University.
After graduating in politics and international relations, Peter went on to work in the banking sector but after a few years realised that he was ready for a new challenge and set his sights on a career in accountancy.
He took the plunge and returned to student life, graduating with first class honours this summer, winning the prize for the university’s top accountancy and finance student in his year and starting in practice at Aberdeen independent accountancy firm Hall Morrice LLP.
As a chartered account student, over the next three years he will gain experience in core service areas of accounts, audit, taxation and business advice and will be sitting The Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) professional exams with the view to gaining his CA qualification.
Peter, 33, who lives in Aberdeen, said that with a clear career goal in mind, he felt more driven on returning to university the second time around as a mature student.
He explained: “The worst thing about returning to student life was the drop in income and not having so much money, but having already done a degree, I found that I knew the mistakes to avoid and felt more measured and focussed for this challenge.
“I’m pleased my efforts have paid off and I’m delighted to have joined Hall Morrice and to be working alongside, and learning from, experienced colleagues in a friendly and professional environment.”
Hall Morrice partner Shonagh Fraser said the firm and colleagues were pleased to welcome Peter to the firm.
She added: “Peter has shown ambition, dedication and talent in his university studies and this will stand him in good stead as he works towards achieving his chartered accountant qualification.
“We believe he has a bright future ahead of him and are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to gain the skills and experience to take him on the next steps of his new career path in our busy Aberdeen practice.”
Founded in 1976, Hall Morrice is one of Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered accountants and has offices in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. Hall Morrice can be contacted at accounts@hallmorrice.co.uk.