Meet Kelsey Marks
Private Client Tax Team
Kelsey Marks joined Kreston Reeves as an ATT apprentice after finishing her A Levels in 2022.
During her time at sixth form, she completely changed her mind about her future career direction and what she wanted to do. We caught up with Kelsey the day after her first 31st January tax return deadline day and she was still smiling and looking forward to the team’s celebratory pizza lunch.
What influenced you to pursue a career in accounting?
Kelsey explains: “I took economics, computer sciences and maths and I’ve always been very numbers focused. Originally, I thought I would do something in cyber security but after looking into it I decided it wasn’t for me. After a huge amount of research, I found the accountancy and tax world and as I love numbers, I thought that would be perfect for me!”
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
“I never really desired to go to university, but I would have gone if it was the only way to start my career. I wanted to combine learning and working and so an apprenticeship was the most perfect option for me."
How are you finding your apprenticeship?
“Everyone is like a big family. You are walking in every day to be with people who you enjoy working with and they are happy to help you and to teach you things. I’m not shy about asking questions and I can ask any question of anyone here and everyone is more than happy to help with what you are doing. It’s a really nice learning environment and it makes coming into work great. Working and studying is hard, but it makes it so much more enjoyable to spend every day with people that welcome you and treat you like an equal. The quality of your work because of this positive relationship with colleagues is I think much higher because of it.”
Why did you choose Kreston Reeves to help kickstart your career?
“Apprenticeships are a growing area, and I spent a lot of time looking into different accountancy firms and looking at their websites and what they stand for. I applied to a few including the big 4 and was offered a role with one, but Kreston Reeves really stood out. Kreston Reeves is not just interested in the services it provides as a firm but in the employees as an individual and I could see the difference between Kreston Reeves and the big 4. The social events, the focus on staff well-being, it’s much more of a community which to me is really important. Even when I received offers from both firms, I was called by the person who had interviewed me at Kreston Reeves who offered me the position whereas the other firm just emailed me. Kreston Reeves made me feel much more of an individual. And here, everyone knows everyone. Since I joined, I’ve spoken to so many people, I feel like I know so many people across different departments and if you need anything, everyone chips in and helps. It’s a really nice company to work in.”
“I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship with Kreston Reeves.”
“From the research I did I don’t think you could find a firm which is more perfectly equipped to help a student start a career. They give you everything you need to succeed. There is help with travel costs to college, books, pre-recorded lessons online etc and then the people here who are willing to help. I’ve also been given a buddy to speak to who is doing the same course. When I talk to some of my friends doing an apprenticeship with other firms, they just haven’t been given half the resources that I have here. I don’t think I could be in a better position to start my career.”
“The extent of the client care here really stands out and the way people will do everything they can for people. Everyone works together to make sure the client can receive everything they need. They want every client to be as happy as they can be and to get all of the services they need. Everyone’s working together and everyone strives to give good client care.”
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