An apprentice accountant is thriving at a Warwickshire firm and has won an award in only a matter of months since starting her training.
Ellie Caddy, from Coventry, joined Burgis & Bullock in August 2023 and received the Apprentice of the Month prize from Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training (CWCCT) for April 2024.
The 18-year-old is currently studying for an AAT Level 2 qualification and is a trainee in the corporate tax team at Burgis & Bullock’s Leamington Spa office.
Ellie applied for the position during the final year of her A-Levels, where she was studying Art, English and Psychology.
She plans to go on to study for her Level 4 Diploma and eventually become fully-qualified with the ACA.
Ellie says she believes she is developing quickly in her role and is proud to have been recognised by CWCCT.
“While I was studying for my A-Levels, I spoke to someone who had just finished their accountancy qualifications. It sounded like a great opportunity and exactly the sort of career I was looking to move into,” she said.
“I saw the job opportunity with Burgis & Bullock just before my exams, applied and got the role!
“It has been really good since I joined. I was quite nervous as first as I hadn’t had any prior accountancy experience, but everyone has helped me to progress and settle in.
“My role is incredibly varied and I’ve had the chance to support in a range of roles around the firm, including client services, audit and tax. This has helped me to progress both in my day-to-day role and in my college work.
“Emma Fisher has been really supportive of me and guided me since joining the business, it’s really good to have a role model like that to look up to.
“I’m keen to keep progressing and developing as a professional in any way I can, whether that is delivering great work for clients or progressing through my exams.
“I would one hundred per cent recommend people in school consider apprenticeships. You are still learning and earning at the same time, so it’s the perfect opportunity for anyone concerned about their next steps.”
Ellie received the Apprentice of the Month prize in recognition of her recent exam results and the quality of her portfolio work.
Emma Fisher, corporate tax manager at Burgis & Bullock, joined the firm as an 18-year-old trainee accountant herself. She has been mentoring Ellie since she joined the business.
Emma said: “Ellie is an incredibly enthusiastic, proactive and conscientious individual. She has already developed into a great asset to the corporate tax team. We’re delighted to be supporting a hard-working individual like Ellie in her development and we are confident she will have a long and successful career in the accounting profession.”
Anna Clegg, Ellie’s training assessor at CWCCT, added: “Ellie is one of our very best learners; she makes my job easy as she is diligent and reliable in everything she does. A fantastic learner!”