Trainee Success Stories

“Over the past 15 years, I’ve progressed from trainee to Group Director, building my career across both audit and tax while completing my ACCA and CTA qualifications along the way.

One of the things I’ve valued most about Champion is that progression has always been available if you’re willing to work hard for it. As my career developed, I had the opportunity to gain experience across different areas of the business and build the broad knowledge and experience that supports the role I have today.

A key part of that development has been the people around me. Early in my career, Susan Riley helped develop my technical knowledge and attention to detail, while Gill Molloy gave me the confidence and freedom to manage my own workload, build client relationships and take on greater responsibility. Both played an important role in my progression at Champion.

While passing my CTA exams first time was a proud achievement, the standout moment was being offered the opportunity to become a director in 2021.

Champion has been a brilliant place to build my career, offering great opportunities alongside great people. My advice to anyone starting out is not to feel as though you have to rush the process. Experience takes time, and while you won’t have everything immediately, hard work gets noticed and opportunities will come.”

“I went to uni to study IT and Business, but I had no idea what career I wanted to pursue. An accountancy module sparked my financial interest, and after university, I set about finding a trainee placement and qualifying as an accountant. Because I had a degree, I could skip my AAT and begin with my ACCA, qualifying in summer 2009. I then took on responsibility within audits, before becoming a client manager, the position I hold today. I now oversee a growing portfolio of businesses as their key point of contact and strategic advisor.

“You don’t need to go to university to become an accountant; you just need to be willing to put in the work. You can learn everything in a traineeship, studying as you work. Of course, you’ll need good communication and self-motivation, as there’s a lot of independent study alongside your job, but it definitely pays off and is all worth it.”

“Over the past decade at Champion, I’ve progressed from Audit & Accounts Trainee to Accounts & Tax Manager, completing AAT and ACCA qualifications along the way and now studying towards CTA.

After qualifying ACCA, I was offered the Accounts Manager role and supported through the transition, with Champion ensuring my development and studies remained a priority. Since then I have developed my role further with progression into the Tax team as Accounts & Tax Manager.  Throughout every stage of my career, there has always been someone willing to mentor, guide and encourage me.

I’m particularly proud of continuing to challenge myself professionally, moving into a new specialism while studying at the same time has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow significantly in confidence and experience.

I’d recommend Champion to anyone looking to build a long-term career in accountancy. The support, opportunities and hands-on experience are invaluable, and my biggest advice would be not to compare your journey to anyone else’s – everyone develops differently.”

“I came across Champion after seeing an advertisement on my college’s message board and attending their talk. I favoured a smaller business where I could hit the ground running from day one and found the whole application process very simple.

“There’s far less support at college for those who choose the earn while you learn route compared to those who decide to go to university, yet this didn’t phase me. With accountancy, you don’t need to go to university to fast track your career; and that really appealed to me. Champion wanted someone enthusiastic, hard working and committed, as they could teach the rest.

“The accounting route was always the career pathway for me and after listening to a number of accountancy firms come in and speak to us at college, Champion stood out to me, particularly their Platinum ACCA accreditation.

“For those who are thinking of applying for Champion’s trainee programme, I’d say to try and get as much experience as possible, even if it’s a placement or a part-time job, as this helps you to stand out from the crowd. Also, be yourself and you’ll go far.”

“Champion stood out to me because of its culture, trainee success stories and the opportunity to earn while I learn. Since starting my career here in 2022, I’ve completed my AAT qualification and am currently studying towards ACCA, while continuing to progress within the firm.

Over the past few years, I’ve taken on increasingly complex client work, built strong client relationships and supported newer trainees as they begin their own careers at Champion.

One of the biggest strengths of Champion is the level of support and trust given to trainees from day one. Working closely alongside experienced managers and directors has accelerated my development and given me exposure to a wide variety of clients and industries.

Looking back, I’m most proud of how much my confidence has grown during my time at Champion, both professionally and personally, alongside passing all my exams first time so far.

Champion is a great place to build your career, gain real responsibility early on and develop within a supportive and ambitious team.”

“Starting my career at Champion through the trainee programme gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from day one while working towards my qualifications. Since joining in 2023, I’ve completed AAT, become partly ACCA qualified and taken on increasing responsibility across audit work.

My role has developed quickly, with more independence, the opportunity to begin leading my own audits and additional responsibilities within the department. I’ve also enjoyed supporting newer trainees when they need help.

One of the biggest strengths of Champion is the exposure you gain early in your career. Working alongside a range of seniors and managers on-site has helped me develop both technically and professionally, reinforcing the theory from exams with real client experience.

I’m especially proud of completing my exams so quickly, and of the progress I’ve made in a relatively short period of time.

Champion is a great place to build your career, particularly if you learn best through hands-on experience and want exposure to the full audit and accounts process rather than just specific areas.”