Apprenticeship adds up for MJH Accountants

Apprenticeships are a hot topic at the moment, with the government encouraging youngsters to consider this as an alternative route for gaining qualifications whilst learning a specific skill.

Rapidly expanding accountancy practice, MJH Accountants was looking to recruit a new team member over the summer to complement the expertise of the four-strong team based in Fulwood. The ideal candidate MJH Accountants were hoping for was someone young, enthusiastic, a team player and most importantly an individual with a desire to learn and grow with the job. They discovered exactly that in Sophie Paget, through the support of Runshaw Business Centre and the National Apprenticeship Service.

Runshaw Business Centre assisted MJH Accountants in the recruitment process by posting the position on the National Apprenticeship database, sifting through applications and ensuring all the appropriate paperwork was completed to start the apprenticeship.

Sophie now attends Runshaw Business Centre one day a week to study her accountancy qualifications and spends four days in the office alongside the professional MJH Accountants’ team.

Sophie said: “Experience counts for so much these days and I wanted to be based in a business environment as well as gain the qualifications to become a chartered accountant. The apprenticeship programme allows me to do this. I am involved in a variety of activities each day such as greeting clients, attending networking meetings and managing the company’s social media campaigns. I’ve also picked up different aspects of accounting I didn’t even know existed! The team are so friendly and approachable and have made me feel very comfortable at work. I love studying and working and believe I’ve got the perfect balance here at MJH Accountants.”

MJH Accountants offers a full range of accountancy services from book keeping and tax returns to management accounts and business planning. Clients comprise a mix of large multi-nationals, SMES, sole traders and private individuals. This spread of services and clients allow Sophie to learn a variety of accountancy skills during her apprenticeship.

Mark Hall, managing director of MJH Accountants, said: “Runshaw Business Centre have supported us very well during the recruitment process and keep in regular contact to ensure the apprenticeship runs smoothly. We’re absolutely delighted with Sophie and in the short period of time she’s been with us she’s become an integral part of the team. Her positive attitude, commitment, interpersonal skills and professionalism are very impressive and we’re constantly encouraging her to take on new challenges.” Sophie concluded, “I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is looking to develop a particular skill and gain qualifications at the same time. It’s the perfect solution to learning and earning money at the same time.”