Name: Vicky Atkinson
Job: Audit Manager at a Halifax accountancy firm

"I get to meet and help a lot of very interesting people."

Vicky Atkinson, your Question and Answer session starts now...

How did you get into the job?

When I was 15 I went on work experience to one of the large Chartered Accountancy firms in Leeds. By the end of the first day I knew it was the career for me and it was all down to the audit manager supervising me. She wore a fantastic designer suit, Bally shoes and a Rolex watch and all I could think was that one day this could be me! Unfortunately I'm still waiting!

What is the job about?

I work as an Audit Manager dealing with all of our incorporated clients. I oversee their year-end accounts, audit and corporation tax calculations. I also get involved with any special one off projects, from business projections, computer software training through to helping clients recruit financial staff.

What are the best and worst things about your job?

The best thing is the client involvement. I get to meet and help a lot of very interesting people.

The worst thing is that some of the work (but only a small proportion!) can be quite repetitive and dull.

Have you had any embarrassing moments or have you got any funny stories tell?

Funny stories? - I'm an accountant!

If you weren't doing this job what would you be doing?

Definitely a property developer, I'm an addict of property programmes on tv!

Have you got any heroes in your field of work?

My boss Angela Riley is a fantastic role model and employer. She has built the practice from scratch and has created not only a very productive and efficient organisation but also one that is accommodating to its staff. I am mum to 2 young children, which can be difficult to juggle with a responsible job but Angela is always very understanding and flexible.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in your field?

It really is a shock to the system when you get a job as a trainee chartered accountant having just graduated. Not only do you have to do real work but you also have to study at the same time. But my advice would be that you get stuck in and lead a relatively boring life for 3 years because at the end of it all, the world really is your oyster.