by Jasmin Ridgeway, Year 11
This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Karley Richie, an alumni student working at Ryecroft Glenton, a successful Chartered Accountants in Sandyford Newcastle. Founded 1901, it is an independent, award-winning firm that specialises in strategic business planning and accountancy. Before the interview, I was incredibly nervous, but when I met Karley, her easy manner and willingness to talk to me put me at ease straight away. The meeting took place in a plush boardroom and Karley introduced me to her manager.
Karley studied at St Thomas More from 2002-2009. As I am considering a career in finance, Karley kindly agreed to meet with me to discuss her role in payroll. I also took the opportunity to find out how her time at St Thomas More had influenced her and how her experiences at University gave her the skills she needed for the job market.
Karley talked about her experience at St Thomas More as being very influential towards her being able to go to University. “My experience at St Thomas More made me realise that if you want something you have to work hard…I had some fantastic support and help” The help she had, allowed her to gain the highest qualification’s she could get, because of her hard work she went onto Newcastle University and graduated with a degree in Law. I was interested to find out how the experience of University benefitted Karley; in her experience, the help at her University meant that when she came to look for jobs it opened many doors and career paths. While she was doing her ‘A’ Levels she worked in McDonald’s, and Ladbrokes when at University which helped her pay off student loans. She did not see herself being in finance after graduating, “I wanted to be a high flying barrister when I started…when I finished University I didn’t even want to be a Lawyer” However she is really glad she came for the job at Ryecroft and finds the role and the company a really great place to work.
A typical working day includes starting at 8:30am working all the way up to 5-6pm depending how the day transpires and if she gets last minute calls from clients. She speaks to HMRC regularly the role is varied and she finds Maths the most challenging part. The most enjoyable part of her job is being part of the team of people she works with and talking to clients on the telephone. Should you consider a role in finance she advises that you need to have great attention to detail and accuracy. Her Law degree has given her good English skills, which is vital to interrupting and writing up reports.
To get into finance you do not particularly need certain qualifications but ‘A’ Levels are advisable, you do not need a degree, but Karley suggests go for it if you can. At some accountancy firms, the types of role vary greatly, Karley advises shadowing somebody to find out what may interest you most. The roles within finance include tax specialist, fraud, accountants, payroll, pensions, banking, investment banking and many more to see a full range visit www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/article/banking-finance-accountancy. You can work towards qualifying for accountancy through the AAT qualifications.
Since leaving University Karley spoke about her love of travelling, especially to exotic places, she holidays abroad four times a year. Her advice opened my eyes to realise that I do want to take my education further and go into the world of finance. In addition, to gain that first job, research the company you are applying for and adapt your application for that company. That will help to make you stand out from all the other applications.
If you are interested in a career in finance see:
https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/finance/70-how-do-i-get-into-finance