Apprenticeship Week 2022: Building the Future Q&A with Rob Pooley

“Build the Future” is the theme for National Apprentice Week 2022, taking place between 7 and 13 February, aiming to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. We spoke to Robert Pooley, Business Services Senior, about his apprenticeship experience while working with our Manchester team.

Why did you choose accountancy as a career?

After graduating from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Business Studies and Economics, I was enticed into a career path that involved numbers but also an area of work where there was an element of business advisory. I also have a keen interest in technology and with the accounting industry now experiencing a period of digitalisation, accountancy seemed the best fit for a career path and I have not looked back since.

What made you choose Haines Watts?

The decision to join Haines Watts was made easy due to a number of reasons. The culture at the Haines Watts Manchester office emphasises building ‘REAL’ relationships with business people. I wanted to be a part of this attentive and personal service as it would give me exposure to real business problems and allow me to feel fulfilled by helping businesses overcome the challenges they faced.

Also, Haines Watts made it into the UK’s Top 10 accountancy and advisory practices to work for by Best Companies due to investing in staff well-being, culture development and mindfulness support. It is evident from receiving this accolade and the investment in workplace wellbeing, that Haines Watts care about their staff and meant I knew I’d be looked after as an employee.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is that I get to use technology and interact with clients on a daily basis. I work in the Business Services Department which entails the use of accounting software such as Xero and means I can advise clients using real time data to make business decisions. It has been fantastic to be part of the digitalisation of the Manchester office in terms of internal practices and providing advisory services using technology and I’m excited about the opportunities that technology will bring to the practice.

In addition to the above, I work in office with colleagues who have an abundance of experience and technical knowledge that I am able to draw from and learn to help me continuously improve.

What are your future plans?

I hope to be qualified this year and am looking forward to working my way up the career ladder. I love working with technology and hope to work closer with clients so I can help solve their problems through the use of implementing technology to their processes. I will also spend some time to identify a niche in a specific industry or software so I can become specialised in a particular field.

What is your advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

Choosing the apprenticeship route means you can learn skills on the job, that will help you growth into a valuable professional. The on-the-job training you receive from an apprenticeship helps you gain industry specific experience and knowledge as well as receiving a nationally recognised professional qualification. An apprenticeship offers the perfect balance of theoretical and practical learning that will help to increase your employability and propel you forward into building a successful career.