Niamh McKenna

Degree subject Bachelor of Business Studies, Dublin City University (2010); Training toward becoming an ACA, Member of the ACAI (2014)
Job title Trainee Accountant
Employer KPMG

I've always loved numbers and really enjoy problem solving. In the final year of my business studies degree I specialised in finance, which reinforced my conviction that I wanted to work in this industry.

After graduating, I secured a job with an accountancy firm as an accounts assistant. I really enjoyed it, so when I saw the KPMG Trainee Accountant job advertised, I went for it.

I work with clients in funds, aircraft leasing and government agencies. Working with aircraft leasing clients has been a fascinating experience. This has given me the opportunity to see how the internal logistics of these companies work. And as the aircraft industry is volatile by nature, my commercial awareness has increased as I've gained a better understanding of the impact of the world and local economies on the sector.

Usually on each job there'll be a person who has recently qualified as a chartered accountant, a person who has joined one year before me and then me, a new 'junior' in the group. They will assign me my roles and I’ll be given a complete section of a job to do: proofing financial statements, assessing bank balances, and making sure that the proper processes are being adhered to.

The best thing about my job is definitely the people and the support network we have. I was assigned a 'buddy' in my first week, and no one is too busy to help you out. The social side of things is fun too: there are always activities to get involved in and people frequently get together socially after work.

That said, it can be hard to get the work/life balance right at first. Lectures are normally 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturdays, and often Sundays too. During the week we are continually assessed and of course we have regular exams. On top of this, it's also important to keep up to speed with changes, shifts and trends in the sector. It's hard work no doubt, but worth it. My traineeship lasts for three and a half years so I'll hopefully be a fully-qualified chartered accountant in March 2014.

Advice for graduates

If you're set on an accountancy traineeship but you haven't got a placement yet, I'd suggest you start working towards the exams yourself. As I already had Finance under my belt (as part of my degree) it took a lot of the pressure off.

Niamh McKenna was interviewed for gradireland Finance 2012.