Gap year university student joins West Wales accountants for practical, on the job, learning experience

Ashmole & Co have taken on a student, during their gap year from University, so the student can gain hands-on experience before completing the final year of their degree course.

Ceirion Harris, from Mountain Ash, joined Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office as a Trainee Accountant in September 2021. He has completed two years of his Accounting and Finance degree at Swansea University and will return to complete his final year of studies this September. 

As a Trainee Accountant Ceirion prepares the quarterly or monthly tax returns for various types of clients including sole traders, partnerships and Ltd companies. He also helps with clients’ queries.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office said, “We are proud to be able to help those studying to become accountants in the future. It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation.

“Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm. Ceirion has fitted in with our team very well. It’s imperative that we give him honest feedback when he’s done well or can improve so he learns from this whole experience.”     

Ceirion said, “I am grateful to Ashmole and Co, who are one of the most established and largest teams of chartered certified accountants and auditors in south and west Wales, for giving me this opportunity to learn with them.

“Applying my studied university knowledge into a practical experience feels rewarding. Whilst working on a task I recognise parts of it from my previous studies and this motivates me to continue my studies to benefit my future role.”

Ceirion is the first to admit that it isn’t just the skills and knowledge to become a future accountant that he’s learning during his time with Ashmole & Co.

He said, “The most challenging part of my job was going from university to a full-time job. I wasn’t prepared for a 9am to 5pm role so for the first few weeks it was a shock to the system.

“While at university you can follow your own routine but while in work I have to ensure I am punctual and presentable every day. I feel as though this placement has prepared me for my future role as an accountant.”

When he is not working or studying Ceirion enjoys participating in a lot of sports including playing football three times a week, running and going to the gym.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation.

If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, the company say you can email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk or apply for a specific vacancy listed on their website: www.ashmole.co.uk.