Careers In Focus – Graduate Trainee Malcolm

At Thomson Cooper, we understand that everyone has their own career path. Team members have joined us at different stages in their career, bringing their own unique experiences, qualities and skills. We celebrate the diversity this creates within our business and the benefits it delivers to our clients.

Accountancy is a vocation that offers a number of entry options. Some people enter the profession by studying a related degree before choosing to become fully qualified through a recognised organisation like The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Today we meet up with graduate trainee, Malcolm McCrindle, and learn about his journey with Thomson Cooper so far.

What were you doing before joining Thomson Cooper?

I worked at Sky for over 10 years before deciding I wanted a new challenge which led me to returning to university as a mature student to pursue a new career as an accountant. I studied for four years at Abertay University and joined Thomson Cooper in March 2022 on a part-time basis (whilst working part-time at Amazon) before gaining a full-time contact in July 2022 on successful completion of my BA Hons Degree in Accounting with Finance.

What was your first role in the firm?

The first role I applied for at Thomson Cooper was for a trainee auditor. I was attracted to this role as it would give me knowledge and exposure to many different areas of accounting as auditors must have a good understanding of all aspects of accounting to audit the financial statements effectively.

I’m now working full time, still as an audit trainee, on the firm’s graduate scheme.

What have been the biggest challenges so far?

There have been many challenges so far, such as getting used to all the different computer software/programmes that both Thomson Cooper and their clients use, as well as getting used to working full time hours again after a few years living the student life. The challenges I have faced have been made easier by all my colleagues at Thomson Cooper who have been friendly and helpful from day one. The working week doesn’t feel too long as no two days are the same which keeps things interesting.

What have the benefits been?

The benefit of joining Thomson Cooper has been how helpful and knowledgeable my colleagues are. Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand if I need it which has helped me to develop so much in a relatively short space of time. It has also been a great opportunity to put everything I learned at university into action. There really is nothing like gaining hands-on experience, especially being on the graduate scheme where I can gain experience and professional qualifications at the same time. This is an ideal pathway for older students looking to establish a professional career.

What plans do you have for the future?

I have big plans with the end goal of becoming a professionally qualified accountant, however, the journey to that point will include getting involved in as many areas of the business as possible such as accounts production and will involve me sitting my professional ACCA exams over the next 3 years.

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