We’re back with another Behind the Numbers and this month, we’re joined by our Payroll and Company Secretarial Accountant Reegan, who joined us as an apprentice following a career change.
Tell us about your role/journey as an apprentice
I am currently payroll and company secretarial accountant at Blu Sky. I look after things like share transfers and payroll for around 150 clients, from small businesses to larger firms. I started out as an apprentice and before starting my apprenticeship, I was studying childhood studies, but I decided it wasn’t the right fit for me and wanted to make a change to my career path.
What made you want to be an accountant?
I wanted a career with progression opportunities and where I’d have the option to change specialisms if I wanted to in the future. I’ve always liked maths and felt accounting would be an option where there’s a lot of change and new challenges to keep things interesting. I also really wanted to have a safe and stable career, and a job where there are clear right and wrong answers.
What made you want to specialise in payroll?
I knew this was an area where there are so many options and a role I will be able to progress in. Everyone needs payroll. It’s a good skill to have and a solid area to work in.
What is your favourite part about working at Blu Sky?
I have a few favourites! I love the team, everyone is so welcoming and supportive. From day one, everyone wanted to help me learn, mentor me and explain what they do and why they do it. I’ve been able to learn about and celebrate my colleague’s progression, which is really motivational.
The team are always sharing insights, and hearing about their careers at Blu Sky helps me think about my future too. The people here play a huge part in why I enjoy my role so much and it’s been nice as we’ve recently grown so we’ve welcomed new faces.
Working with clients is another favourite part. I enjoy getting to know my clients, understanding their business and hearing about their journey.
I’m also a big fan of the flexibility at Blu Sky. You’re trusted to do your work, manage your day and it is not a problem if you need to make a change to your working day.
What is the best lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
It’s okay to make mistakes and to learn from them. Everyone makes mistakes, as long as you can take it on the chin, accept responsibility, learn from it and keep progressing, then it’s going to be okay. We’re all human, it happens, and it’s something you can bounce back from.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have zip-lined through the mountains in Canada and it was amazing. I really love travelling and I like to go on holiday as much as I can. I have a bucket list of places I’d like to go and see.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering becoming an accountant?
Try everything! Especially if you think you’re interested in a certain area, go and try it first before you decide it’s what you’d like to specialise in. Doing it every day is going to be different to what you originally thought, so be sure to dip your toe in to different areas. Work for a firm that will help you do this.
There really is so much to accounting. Don’t put yourself in one box, find what you enjoy, explore all the options and make a plan to progress.
Find out more about our team
Keep an eye on our social channels to find out what the Blu Sky team are up to! We’re regularly out and about across Newcastle, Manchester and London. We’ll also be back with another team spotlight next month.
