Q&A with Fatimah Naveed: Journey as an Apprentice Assistant Accountant

Tell us about yourself, Fatimah! How long have you been at Eddisons, and how’s the apprenticeship journey treating you?

I joined the Eddisons family back in January 2023, so it’s been a little over a year now. I’m right in the middle of my apprenticeship, which is supposed to take 18 months. Excitingly, I’m just one exam away from crossing the finish line!

Nice! Good luck with the exam! How did you find out about the apprenticeship opportunity at Eddisons?

I had uploaded my details on to a site called Get My First Job. A nifty platform for apprenticeships and career kick-starts. Within a blink, a recruiter gave me a call. We had a super friendly and informative chat, and the rest is history!

Sounds like a breeze! What was the application process like?

Just like your usual job application – I sent my CV over to the recruiter. A week later, we set up an interview, and luckily, I impressed them enough to get the job.

Awesome! Now, the big question: why go the apprenticeship route? What made you choose it over the traditional university degree?

Honestly, it was a bit of a happy accident. I wasn’t dead set on a particular path at the time, but when I stumbled upon this vacancy, it felt like a no-brainer. Even if I changed my mind later on, the experience and skills would still be worth it. Plus, no student debt! Win-win!

Definitely a wise choice! What support have you received during your apprenticeship?

With an apprenticeship, its 20% classroom study and 80% on the job so I dedicate a day each week to my online studies at BPP. My manager and I have regular check-ins to map out my next moves. BPP, my training providers and my manager have put together a plan for me, this way I’m not missing out anything.

So, what’s a typical day like for you?

First things first I work on those payments! As soon as I get in, I make sure I start with all the payments, getting them sent out. The 1st of every month is like a storm of client reporting. After that, it’s a bit of an ad hoc dance to tackle whatever the team needs. Right now, I’m knee-deep in Accounts Payable, loading lots of invoices!

What are the best parts of being an apprentice and any challenges you’ve faced?

Best part? So much hands-on experience! Being able to apply what I’m learning right away is a game-changer. But obviously balancing work and studying is sometimes challenging, some days, one day just isn’t enough. Thankfully my online classes are recorded so in my free time I rewatch them and fit some revision in where I can.

How will the apprenticeship benefit your career?

I’m doing AAT Level 3 at the moment, it’s a great stepping stone on to getting to Level 4 and getting qualified as a Chartered Accountant. It’s an alternative way to a career in accountancy and could potentially lead to qualifying faster. It’s opened a lot of doors for me careerwise but right now I’m happy at Eddisons and can see myself with the family for a very long time.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I would honestly recommend! No student loans, heaps of experience—it’s a total no-brainer. Get in there and make it happen!

Thanks for chatting, Fatimah, lovely to hear your experience so far and good luck on your exam!