Career first steps: What is it like to be a Graduate Fund Accountant?

You’re finishing university and are considering what career path to take. You’re interested in financial services, investment, accountancy, alternatives assets… so what’s next?

We spoke to Lily Davis who joined the Langham Hall Graduate Programme in 2020 in the Private Equity team to share her experience and what it’s been like to start her career as a Fund Accountant.

What is your educational background?

I graduated from the University of Birmingham in summer 2020 where I gained a First in Modern Languages (German and Spanish) and Business Management. At A Level, I studied Maths, German and PE.

Why did you apply to join Langham Hall’s Graduate Programme?

Having not studied finance and accounting at university, I loved the fact that Langham Hall’s Graduate Programme offered training towards becoming a fully qualified accountant. The fusion of practical and theoretical learning was something which piqued my interest in the scheme. The chance to work for a highly reputable firm and develop personal skills such as leadership and communication was also something which drew me to Langham Hall.

How have you found starting your career in fund accounting? What kind of tasks have you completed / do you complete on a daily basis?

Since joining in September 2020, I have had exposure to a huge range of tasks within fund accounting; bookkeeping, management accounts, payments and investor queries. Additionally, I have now successfully completed an audit, which provided a new challenge that I enjoyed undertaking. Having spent time preparing these key deliverables, I am now gaining experience in the review process; a rewarding task, allowing me to see how much I have learned within the last year and a half. This progression has been aided by members of my team who have supported me and my ambitions, and I have been given opportunities to broaden my horizons within my team, and on a larger, company-wide scale.

What have you enjoyed the most about working at Langham Hall?

I have always loved learning and working in a team. At Langham Hall, I am constantly learning and developing skills, while also working alongside a group of likeminded, aspirational people who are incredibly approachable and helpful. These factors keep the work interesting and enjoyable.

How do you feel Langham Hall has encouraged your professional growth?

I have been given many opportunities to develop professionally since joining Langham Hall. There are always chances to take on extra responsibility, either within your team, through having oversight of more tasks, or within the broader company, where you can complete extra trainings or join the various committees. The range of clients to work on also presents the opportunity to learn about multiple investments and the way the different Funds operate.

Langham Hall offers study days and all necessary material for the accounting exams. Juggling work and study is arguably the most challenging aspect of the role, but one which is also incredibly rewarding and in-line with personal aspirations to become qualified. The tasks within my work have helped consolidate my studies, where I am able to put theory into practice.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

In 5 years, I will have completed all my ACCA exams and be a qualified accountant. I will have accumulated extensive insight into the behaviour of Funds and successful investments. I plan to use this knowledge to manage my own team of people and find new challenges through which I can develop and progress professionally.

What’s the best piece of advice you could give to someone who’s looking to apply to a Graduate Programmes?

Be open to new learning experiences and embrace every opportunity. We learn most from asking questions and making mistakes, so have confidence in your intellectual aptitude and be inquisitive, because there’s always something to learn.