School and College Leavers

"The year I spent at Armstrong Watson was full of learning opportunities. It provided with me with valuable insight into how a large financial services practice operates. The culture at AW ensures there is a welcoming environment for any new starter and everyone is happy to help where necessary. Working within a small team in Corporate Finance gave me greater exposure to clients and uniquely valuable experiences. This enhanced a whole array of skills from communicating with clients to more technical CF skills such as business valuations and building a financial model. Although only having a small amount of experience in CF before joining AW, the team were always on hand to guide me through and provide me with training throughout the year. Overall, the year at Armstrong Watson was extremely fulfilling and has certainly equipped me with a stronger and wider skill set. This experience has positively contributed to my career plans for after university and has added further to my motivation to work in corporate finance."

Dan Western, Corporate Finance Assistant

"When I joined AW (from a big 4 firm), one of my biggest concerns was that the team wouldn’t compare to what I was used to - I shouldn’t have been! The greatest strength of the AW team is that the tax assistance I need is across the desk, not someone I have to look around the office for, and because we’re sat next to each other we talk about the issue at hand. That means not only am I upskilling my corporate finance knowledge, but I’m trusting the person not the brand. Furthermore, as we’re all in touching distance of each other we’re investing in our teams, spending time coaching them and helping them develop. What’s amazing about AW is that we understand who our current clients are and who we want as our clients. OK, I’m no longer working on FTSE 250 clients with complex derivatives, but helping a local engineer secure funding for growth and more resources is just one example of how a change of firm has helped me to make more of a difference than just a box ticking exercise."

Simon Turner, Audit & Assurance Partner

"Studying AAT has given me valuable skills and knowledge that I can apply in my day to day work, and I will now be going on to study the ACA qualification. Working within a professional environment with the acquired skills from AAT has given me the confidence to progress within the workplace and moving forward hope my career will develop with the knowledge and expertise my training has given me."

Abigail Graham, Trainee Chartered Accountant

"Having gained an English Language Degree at Newcastle University, I joined the team in October 2011. Training for the ACA qualification helped me pursue my career goals by allowing me to further develop the skills I gained at University. Armstrong Watson supported and guided me throughout, offering useful learning and development advice during every step of the process. A career in accountancy is never dull, as the day to day workload is varied and continues to challenge me. I now work directly with clients and help provide advice to a very wide portfolio of sectors. Working within a team I feel valued and I have a good peer group who support me."

Rhys Davies, Audit & Assurance Senior Manager

"I joined Armstrong Watson two and a half years ago after completing an Accountancy and Finance degree. What initially attracted me to the firm was the ability to progress and gain experience in a wide range of departments across 14 offices and also feel part of a close team. I joined Armstrong Watson’s Chartered Programme in September 2015 and I am thoroughly enjoying every aspect of my job.

The firm ensure I gain as much experience as possible, tailoring my practical work experience to what I am studying at college, building my knowledge and understanding."

Annabelle Wood, Audit & Assurance Senior

"I joined Armstrong Watson in 2009 excited by the prospect of gaining qualifications as an apprentice while working full time; my preferred approach over University. Over the past nine years I’ve been supported through the AAT and ATT qualifications and given the opportunity to work with some fantastic people in different departments and locations across the firm. I’ve recently progressed to an Accounting Supervisor role advising and supporting mainly agricultural clients in and around Carlisle. The varied workload continues to challenge me day by day; just one of the things which makes Armstrong Watson a great place to work."

Murdo Laurie, Accounting Manager

"My AAT experience has been a never ending journey of challenges and excitement. I study AAT at Carlisle College which is local and friendly. I go to college one day a week and work four days a week. This enables me to apply my knowledge from college to my workplace and visa versa. The teachers at the college are all welcoming and eager for you to succeed, which makes it such an enjoyable place to learn."

Stephanie Gregory, Accounting Assistant

"I applied for the Armstrong Watson chartered Scheme after hearing about the opportunities a friend had been given during her time on the programme. Armstrong Watson are always providing me with a broad range of experience across different offices and departments to help support my chartered studies. Not only has this helped me to put the ACA theory into practice, but it has allowed me to continually build on my professional development in the workplace. I joined the Cumbria Chartered Accountancy Student Society as both ICAEW Student Council (ISC) representative and chair and I thoroughly enjoyed the roles, and the firm fully supported my involvement allowing me time out to travel to London and Cambridge to attend quarterly ISC representative meetings for the student council."

Lauren Graham, Audit & Assurance Assistant Manager

“I was really keen to take up the opportunity offered to me for a secondment in the Kendal office as Accounting Supervisor. I was nervous and not sure of what to expect but I knew the experience would broaden by knowledge, push me and improve my potential . I am always keen to put myself out of my comfort zone, learn new skills and try and better myself. I am only two months in and absolutely loving the Kendal office, the people are amazing, the office is amazing, and I love being a part of their team. Everyday is a challenge, but that’s what drives me, and it really proves that opportunities within the firm are there, you just have to have the right attitude and push yourself.”

Leanne Harkness, Accounting Supervisor

“Earlier this year I was offered the opportunity to move to our Glasgow office to manage the accounting department as the Accounting Manager. This was an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and further my progression within the firm. Over the last 9 months the role has presented me with plenty of new challenges, tasks and increased responsibilities which I’ve enjoyed being able to deal with whilst also helping my own team progress. Personally the time I’ve been in Glasgow has helped me develop my skillsets and broaden my network within the firm with colleagues and clients. Overall this secondment has been a brilliant experience for me, made easier by the great team in Glasgow and the wider support from around the firm.”

Dan Cozens, Accounting Manager