Case studies: Accounts assistant: Andrew Correnti

Andrew has a degree in business and finance from Plymouth University. He completed the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 qualification and is now studying towards Level 4. He works as an accounts assistant at United Springs Ltd.

I chose my degree subject because I didn't really know what I wanted to do after I left college. I thought this study path would give me a very useful insight in the world of business, which was a field that I was very interested in. During the completion of my studies, I quickly realised that the subject I enjoyed the most was accountancy, and I had a real head for numbers.

After graduation I began to maintain the cash books of my dad's business, when it was suggested to me that I should take this further and study for the AAT qualification. Due to my previous degree studies, I was allowed exemptions, which meant I could start the AAT at Level 3.

Whilst studying for my AAT, I applied for jobs that would give me the accountancy experience I craved whilst allowing me to utilise the theory I was learning. At the beginning of 2012, I had an interview with an international manufacturing firm that shared my ambition of progression within the subject of accountancy. They were able to provide me with work that would enable me to build on skills that I already had, provide mentorship through my studies and also provide full study support right up to the ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification.

I would say that my subject of study was extremely relevant in securing my current job. As my degree didn't specialise in just one subject, it has given me a wider overview of the business and finance world. I can relate my studies to the whole business and feel that I can get involved with all departments. I also feel that having a degree was an added advantage to my CV and really set me apart from the other interviewees. 

There really isn't a typical day for me as my role is so varied. I can set myself a 'to-do' list and then completely out of the blue I can be asked for a report/information from another department that requires some investigative work, all of which can take up a considerable amount of my day which I hadn't accounted for. This is why I am passionate about a career in accountancy as it doesn't give you the chance to be bored.

I started off in this sector keeping a local business's cash books in order, to now working in an accounts department for a firm that exports its products all around the world. At the moment I am responsible for keeping the cash books up to date and making sure all transactions are accurately posted to the ledger using the specialist accounts software. My role has also given me the chance to develop further skills and I have also now become involved in the preparation of cash flow forecasts, debtor analysis, and other board-level reports.

My career ambitions are to complete my ACCA and become a chartered accountant.

I like carrying out investigative work. If something isn't right or doesn't balance I won't rest until I have got to the bottom of it and solved the problem. There is always an answer; you just have to have the patience and methodical approach to find it. I find this is the most challenging part of my job and it can really be a struggle sometimes to put things right. However, I really enjoy this side of things as I have a very analytical mind.

The best thing about working in this sector is that you really can go as far as you're prepared to study. There are plenty of opportunities for employment at all levels of skill and experience. It can be a competitive market, so I advise you to show plenty of enthusiasm, drive and willingness to learn in order to succeed, and you will get that lucky break in securing your first position within the sector.

I would say that the best way in is to begin studying the AAT, as it is a well-recognised qualification in the UK and overseas. It is such a flexible course, as it can be studied full time, part time in the evenings or even studied at home. So it can really be studied around your current job.