Trainee tax specialist Kingsley Rhule has completed his four-year apprenticeship with Burgis & Bullock despite the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.
Kingsley, now 22, joined the leading accountancy firm at 18 and has been working within the personal tax team during his Level 4 apprenticeship.
He took on the apprenticeship after finishing a BTEC Level 3 in Business and completed his training programme through Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training.
Kingsley said: “After finishing college I knew I wanted to follow the apprenticeship route. I visited Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training and they recommended I apply for the position at Burgis & Bullock.
“The interview went really well and when they mentioned the training on the job I was sold.
“I had no real understanding of tax when joining, but it was actually learning something completely new which appealed to me.
“My main role has been in personal tax, with tax returns, but I also spent some time in audits and accounts to widen my skillset.
“I wouldn’t have ever thought of myself as an accountant. I’ve grown in confidence throughout the apprenticeship and been able to challenge myself on a daily basis.
“To be able to get paid while you learn is great and that is definitely a plus side of the apprenticeship route, as opposed to going to university.
“My plans are to carry on studying, strengthen my tax experience and perhaps branch out into learning more about accounts and audit in the future.”
During his time at the firm, Kingsley has also engaged in the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Talent Scheme – which is a network for young professionals across the region.
Kingsley’s manager Becky Rooker says he has come on leaps and bounds since joining the firm, and that he should be proud of his development.
Becky added: “Kingsley has worked with me in the personal tax team for more than four years now and he has been a brilliant addition to the team.
“Since joining us we have seen his confidence grow and knowledge develop significantly. He is fantastic with clients and his professionalism has increased no end.
“We have now given him is own portfolio of clients to look after and we are sure he will continue to develop into an excellent tax professional.”