ON THE JOB

Knowing there is only one correct answer to all his work problems is what Mike Fry loves about accountancy.

“It’s not about opinions,” he says. “It’s all about doing a calculation and getting the right answer. I like that enormously – it suits me down to the ground.”

Mike, 21, works as a higher apprentice in the Bristol office of accounts giant BDO where he is three years into becoming a chartered accountant.

He says: “I work in the audit department which means I am testing and checking clients’ statements and accounts.

“Often people are nervous of auditors but they get on board when they realise that I am not there to pull them up but to help them get things right.”

Thankfully, Mike says, he’s not just tied to his desk numbercrunching.

“I get to go out and meet clients as well which I really enjoy. It’s great to meet new people and learn about their businesses. “It keeps my job varied.” Exams feature heavily in his day-to-day life and keeping on top of his studies can be a challenge.

He says: “I’ve found that nothing beats just getting your head down and doing the study. There are a lot of exams but it’ll be worth it in the end – in about two years. Work is really good about giving me the time I need to study and prepare for exams.”

Mike knew he wanted to be an accountant when he was at school and he applied for and won a place at Cardiff University studying accountancy and finance.

He says: “I realised though that not only would the degree cost me a great deal financially but that I would still have to get my accountancy exams once I had left university. I turned down the place and focused on getting an apprenticeship. It was the best move I’ve made.”