Studying ACA (ICAEW) qualification while on a three year rotating graduate scheme.

Upon graduation I secured a Graduate Trainee role in an Independent Financial Advisory firm. Within this role I work closely alongside the directors to research and review client cases on an individual basis, in order to ensure optimal financial advice is given across multiple disciplines. Similarly to my previous accounting role, the use of excel and other computer programmes such as Intelligence Office are required to action investment decisions and reconcile advice on investments made on a day to day basis. I also carry out more in depth analysis within financial analytics to produce; graphs, reports andportfolios of investment options and their historical and predicted future performance. Additional technicality is also involved as external factors such as political, country and economic risk must be considered when reviewing investment performance. The role also endorses further study, providing membership to the Chartered Insurance Institute, in which I am currently enrolled.

I am a Graduate of the University of The West of England, managing to achieve a First Class BA Honours Degree in Business Management with Finance and Accounting. I have also have completed a successful placement at The Body Shop International HQ lasting 13 months as an International Financial Planner and Analyst.

I managed to successfully obtain an IFP&A Internship role at The Body Shop Headquarters, Watersmead, within the International Division, planned to last a year. This experience was invaluable to me as I was entrusted with a great level of responsibility in this role, and I succeeded in maintaining and developing the role, achieving my objectives as follows;-Ownership of HR related cost centres their recharge processes and adequate reconciliation.-Ownership of Brazil cost centre and deliver an accurate monthly close, -Develop Headcount reporting format to standardise output for review meetings, And to enhance the SG&A reporting with Continent and Country level of detail for review at International level. During this role many new systems and functions were introduced to me, but I adapted quickly and effectively in order to continue an existing role, adapting to a GL reporting systems and using; SAP, BW and Magnitude. I then managed to streamline many of the tasks in order to improve efficiency and take on new work projects and more in-depth quality analysis directly for the CEO on occasions. In particular producing the introduction of enhanced SG&A reports that increased the level of detail previously available to directors, which now forms part of the monthly reporting pack issued to the directors. I was trusted to work independently and engage with various departments and countries for the majority of this role, as my manager recognised that I was reliable enough to do so and still produce quality and accurate work. I was that effective in the role that The Body Shop extended my contract, offering additional incentives and requested that I remained in the role for as long as I possibly could, which I did before returning to university.