Accountancy and advisory firm MHA has taken on 18 early careers recruits this year in Scotland, with the new starters already passing on tips to others thinking of following the same path.
The intake of 15 graduates, school leavers, placement students is based in the firm's Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices, spread across audit, tax, and accounts and business advisory services (ABAS). In addition, 3 interns were given summer placements.
Eve, Harry, Daniel, Ella, Zoe, Lewis and Ethan are part of the audit team, while Morgan, Kate and Lani have joined tax, and Luke, Scott, Hannah and Frankton are working within ABAS. Jacob has joined the restructuring and recovery team.
Looking back on their opening weeks, the group pointed to the level of training and encouragement on offer from colleagues.
Eve said: “The amount of training and support we have received in the first month is phenomenal and it really feels like you can reach out to anyone in your team for support.”
Hannah said: “Everyone in the office has been so welcoming in my first few weeks. From week one I have been working on client jobs with support from my team, and I already feel that I have learnt a lot.”
Harry added: “From the first minute of starting, you are welcomed with smiles and friendliness from everyone in the firm which makes you feel so at home in such an unfamiliar environment.”
Asked what they would say to anyone weighing up accountancy, the newcomers stressed the value of research, preparation and a willingness to learn.
Kate said: “I would recommend doing as much research as you can into the different career paths you can take in accounting because there might be an area of the profession you would be interested in that you haven't thought of before. Also, if you can get work experience or an internship with an accounting firm it would be beneficial as it would give you a good understanding of whether a career in accountancy is for you.”
Stepping up - The new recruits in the MHA Aberdeen office.
Scott added: “My advice would be to embrace the challenge of learning and not be afraid to step into the profession, even if you do not come from an accountancy background. There is always something new to learn, and the support available from colleagues and mentors is invaluable.”
Eve's advice was simple: “Commit to it and put effort into your applications to have the best chance of succeeding. Research the role, research the company and research the qualifications so you know what you are applying for and can make sure it is the right career for you.”
Louise Smith, senior manager in ABAS at MHA in Aberdeen, said: “Seeing another talented cohort take its first steps with us is a pleasure. Having begun here as a placement student myself, I know how much those early years shape you. Our aim is to give every trainee the grounding they need to thrive, whatever path led them to MHA.”
Ben Sutherland, Partner at MHA, said: “Each year our newest colleagues bring fresh energy to the firm, and this group has made an excellent start. Their advice shows there is no single route into accountancy. With the right support, people from all sorts of backgrounds can build a rewarding future in the profession, and I would encourage anyone curious about it to explore our current opportunities.”
MHA provides audit and assurance, tax, business advisory, corporate finance and outsourcing services to businesses, public bodies, charities and private clients, and is the UK member of Baker Tilly International, a global network of independent accounting and advisory practices.
MHA's Scottish offices are on Carden Place in Aberdeen and St Colme Street in Edinburgh.
Applications are now open for MHA's next early careers intake, including graduate, school leaver, placement and work experience programmes. Find out more at: https://www.mha.co.uk/careers/early-careers