Harriet Connon
I joined Mercer & Hole in September 2008 after graduating from Hull University with a joint honours degree in Music and German. I am currently working in the St Albans office in the audit department and studying to gain the ACA qualification.
Despite coming from an unusual background as a trained musician and linguist, I decided to apply for jobs which offered a professional qualification and a structured training scheme, in order to strengthen my career opportunities. Much to many of my friends amazement I discovered that the ACA qualification offered just that.
Training as an accountant, albeit a short period so far, has been an eye opening experience, not only do you gain technical knowledge, you learn how various businesses work. I am slowly understanding the numerous and interesting ways in which people make their living.
Studying and college start almost immediately after you join and although it is hard work and requires a lot of commitment, it is rewarding on results day when you pass exams. It is also a good way to meet other trainees from other firms and share the new experiences.
Audit work can be different from week to week as it offers a complete variety ensuring that you will never be stuck doing the same work all the time. The nature of the audit department in St Albans ensures that you have a complete support network, ranging from managers to senior trainees, so that you never feel out of your depth. The social side of the department also creates a great working atmosphere, we go for lunch most weeks and occasionally after work drinks. Its nice to know that other people have had the same experiences as you.
My first six months at Mercer & Hole have been hard work, but knowing what I have achieved in that time makes it worth while. The friendly and learning focussed atmosphere in the office has made my at Mercer & Hole a great place to work. —Harriet Connon
