Meet Onur Merakli

What encouraged you to pursue an apprenticeship at Kreston Reeves?

“I was offered my apprenticeship in early March 2020 just before Covid started so my start date was delayed. Eventually, Kreston Reeves enabled me to study and take the first six exams of my ACA training before I actually set foot in the office. It was quite good to have all that time to focus on studying and taking the exams and it helped take the pressure off. When we were finally able to go into the office in January 2021, I felt like I knew a bit about the job, but I prefer to work and study together but that was just the situation at the time. I’ve nearly finished my course now and I have one exam left to take which is in July and so I’m focused on that and qualifying.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in accountancy?

“My Maths degree from Bath University helped me to decide on going into accountancy as we did a module on it, and I found it interesting. I’d also previously had some work experience with an accountant. I knew about the additional qualifications and studying that would be needed and I like that, so I started looking at some of the companies that were offering apprenticeships.”

How did you prepare for their interview with Kreston Reeves and what was your experience like at the company?

“When I found out I had an interview with Kreston Reeves I went onto LinkedIn and I reached out to a few people who were working at Kreston Reeves already. I got a good response and the Kreston Reeves employees I messaged were happy to help and offered me some useful tips. I mentioned that I had done this in my interview and got to meet one of the people I had spoken to and everyone I met was welcoming."

What have you learned while working in the Audit team?

“Audit is a new area for me, and I’ve picked up a lot of new skills already. Being in the Audit team is a great opportunity and I’m hoping to be promoted when I have finished studying. I’ve seen myself progress and there is good progression and opportunities within the team. My manager is great as they have been getting me to do lots of different types of jobs and to work with many different types of company which adds to my experience.”

What are your career aspirations?

“I think early on in your career as a graduate it’s important to get broad experience and then to specialise later. I’ve been working with a variety of companies from insurance brokers to pension schemes. They can have different audit requirements and reporting as well as additional FCA related work. It’s been an opportunity to see all the different types of company and to gain broad skills.”

How has your university experience contributed to your work in accountancy?

“I’m glad I went to university as I wanted the university experience as it helps to build your character. It made me better suited to the work environment not being straight from school. The additional studying adds to my knowledge and allows me to apply it to my work. Along with the ACA, I am able to gain an additional audit qualification which would enable me to sign off audits."

Does Kreston Reeves offer opportunities for employees to volunteer and engage in charity and social events?

“We also get opportunities to volunteer and at Christmas I was able to spend two days working with the Story of Christmas charity and assist with their annual event. It was fun and I got to meet people from other companies at the event, so it was also a great networking opportunity. The London office is also very sociable, and we have teams that organise different events which I like.”