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11 October 2019
Two Chartered Accountants from Saffery Champness in Edinburgh were visiting Kilgraston School as part of its on-going ‘Woman and Business’ programme.
Catriona Macdonald and Ashley Middlemass discussed with pupils the various routes into a career in accountancy and tax and the options available once you had gained your qualification: “The world really does open up to you,” Miss Middlemass told girls, “once you’re a CA, there are endless possibilities.”Girls learnt that it wasn’t necessary to study accountancy at university and, in fact, completing your CA exams was not at all dependent on having previously studied the subject: “I completed a Science degree at Dundee University,” said Miss Macdonald, “moving into accountancy represented a significant career change but one that I am very glad to have made.”Pupils learnt about the progression through the industry and the support offered by governing body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland. Miss Middlemass told girls: “Whether you choose to stay in practice accountancy, within a specialist firm, or move to an industry that particularly interests you, for example retail or engineering, you will always have the support and network offered by ICAS.”
Summer internships, school-leaver programmes and graduate pathways were all discussed, with pupils asking many very well-informed questions: “It was clear to see that the girls have thought very carefully about their career and the opportunities available to them,” commented Miss Macdonald.Relevant industry information and contact links were passed-out with several of the girls immediately exploring the various websites. Miss Middlemass, who studied Accounting and Finance at Edinburgh University, completed an eight-week summer internship with Saffery during her third year at university: “Having finished my studies I was asked to return to the firm to start a training contract and, after three years, am now a qualified Senior. I just love my job, there really is no such thing as a ‘typical day!'”Kilgraston School would like to thank the ladies for giving up their time to join the pupils and delivering such an excellent presentation.
