Tom Kiley - ACA Trainee

Tom's experience at Roffe Swayne to date

When did you join?

I joined in September 2008

What is working in professional services like?

It's about meeting deadlines, hitting targets, being thorough and ultimately providing a first class service to each of our clients. It's about working in a team, which is enjoyable and energizing. There's the opportunity to use a broad range of different skills including juggling different jobs, setting priorities and being proactive. It's rewarding to help clients with their business, especially in the current climate where both flexibility and efficiency are crucial.

Why Roffe Swayne?

Because of the wider variety of experience available - at Roffe Swayne we are involved in a much wider range of client services, which is a great way to develop my skills and help me on the way to becoming a Chartered Accountant. I'll also have a better idea which area I want to specialise in. It's a friendly and sociable place. I'm a keen sportsman so it is nice to have sport facilities onsite and make use of them at lunchtime.

How have you found it?

I am enjoying my work and I have managed to get a balance between the practical work, study and social life.

And the people?

The people are warm and professional. There is an open door policy which I admire and it is probably part of the reason why I felt very much part of the RS team so soon after joining.

There is a wide range of social events organised by Roffe Swayne which help you to interact on a different level with your fellow colleagues which in turn then makes it easier when that is related back to the office environment.

What's been the best moment so far?

Acting as audit senior for the first time at the beginning of the year.  At Roffe Swayne they are very confident in your abilities and as it is slightly smaller than the larger firms you are given more responsibility much earlier on.

I also enjoyed my time working in the corporate finance department - discovering how the process of buying and selling businesses works was hugely insightful, interesting and compelling.

And the worst?

No major bad moments to date, the learning curve is very steep with the amount of different areas you cover whilst working here but I have enjoyed the challenge.  If I had to pick a worst moment it would probably be losing at the charity football tournament organised by the company which was played against various clients.

And your plans for the future?

I am taking it one step at a time; I have to first comcetrate on juggling my exams and work responsibilities until I am fully qualified.  But hopefully in the not too distant future I will perhaps look to further my experience in the Corporate Finance department and perhaps sit the Corporate Finance Qualification.