David Rainey

Job Trainee Accountant
Employer KPMG, Dublin
Education Bachelor of Commerce, University College Dublin (2008); Master of Accounting, UCD (2009); Training toward becoming an ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant), Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland (ICAI; 2012)

I’ve always had an interest in maths and business studies; I like the fact that maths is so black and white. Funnily enough I swore I’d never be an accountant when I was younger, but at university as I began to understand more about the business world I felt that an accounting qualification was the best business qualification out there.

In my final year I applied online to KPMG. The application form required plenty of work but the interview process was quite pleasant as far as these things go; I had two interviews, both on the same day, one with a manager, the other with a partner, and I was offered a three-year training contract the next day.

As a trainee accountant, auditing is my main role. My first project involved auditing a massive multinational reinsurance company. Alongside three other trainees and a manager, director and partner I worked to back up all the figures that the company supplied. This involved liaising with banks, contacting debtors and creditors, and conducting random samplings to see how the client recorded its transactions. As I had a masters in accounting I had some idea of what to expect, but it was great to apply my existing knowledge to the practical side of things.

Afterwards I was assigned to a small audit by myself. Working on a much smaller job gave me exposure to the planning and budgeting stages, which I hadn’t previously experienced. Whatever project I’m on, I am in touch with clients daily to extract information and check over figures, source addresses and chase up contacts. I look into how we have implemented processes in previous years to establish whether it is reasonable or appropriate to do things again the same way this year.

Soon after I joined the company I found myself in the boardroom for a kick-off meeting. I remember looking around at my colleagues – partners, actuaries, directors – and being inspired by the wealth of knowledge and experience that surrounded me.

In this job you’re exposed to big clients and senior colleagues from very early on. Although daunting at first, it’s a fantastic learning curve.

Advice for graduates

It doesn’t matter if your undergraduate degree is completely unrelated, but it’s important to get an accountancy qualification under your belt. Build up your experience and show you’re keen.