Caitlin: finding her perfect role
Caitlin Flynn joined UHY Nottingham as an AAT trainee in April 2019, following an initial career in hospitality after leaving school. Inspired by her sister’s decade long career at UHY, Caitlin decided in a change of direction, setting herself up for a career where she could build her knowledge and confidence in a corporate environment. During her time at UHY, Caitlin has progressed from having no previous knowledge or experience in the accountancy industry to fostering strong relationships with her team and clients, growing into a role that she loves.
I’d enjoyed my time working in hospitality and was on-track for management, however I began to increasingly feel that the path I was on was more of a ‘job’ than a career, so I started looking for alternatives that could provide the career stability I was lacking. My decision to move to accountancy has proved fantastic, not only for the positive position I find myself in today, but also for more immediate circumstances.
With the hospitality industry being shook to its core by the Covid-19 pandemic, many of my previous colleagues were furloughed, laid-off or totally unable to work throughout the numerous lockdowns. Estimates state that more than 10% of hospitality businesses closed because of the pandemic, and this includes my previous workplace which shut in May 2020. UHY offered the stability I had been looking for in the nick of time.
When I originally joined UHY, I was concerned that my lack of experience and knowledge of the industry could lead to difficulties, but my interviews went well and I was told I brought valuable skills to the table right from the outset.
Many see accountancy as a strictly numerical, logical practice but there is so much more to being a great accountant. People say I have a friendly demeanour and my experience working in hospitality meant I found it easy to build strong relationships with clients. I get real enjoyment from interacting with clients and have been supported by UHY to tailor my role towards client facing engagements.
My favourite memory to date was completing my AAT qualification in July 2022. I am so appreciative of the level of support that has been offered by UHY throughout my studies and it felt as if my team members were as happy for my success as I was post-qualification. After AAT qualification it is common to begin working towards the ACA, but I felt that was the wrong path for me. I was given the reassurance from UHY that my internal progression will not be hindered, and I am now on a path to assisting management, working towards building my ideal day-to-day role. It is fantastic to feel simultaneously supported and pushed out of my comfort zone.
Despite my career in accountancy starting with a lot of uncertainty, I have worked hard to improve my experience and technical understanding, which has helped to increase my overall confidence in the workplace. I feel like I am growing each day in a dynamic role that I have the freedom to mould towards my personal strengths and preferences. This is underpinned by consistent support from my team and UHY as a whole.
I am eager to see how my position continues to change over the coming years, especially with the new tools and technologies that will evolve the way in which my department works.
