Name: Bethany
Job Role: Self-employed Finance Controller
Course: Level 3 and Level 4 AAT Accounting Apprenticeship
Bethany, a self-employed Finance Controller running her own business, began her professional journey at Truro and Penwith College, where she completed the Level 3 and Level 4 AAT Accounting Apprenticeships. Through her training and experience she now brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to small and medium-sized businesses without their own finance teams.
Bethany’s interest in accounting was sparked during her A-level studies, where she first got a taste of the industry. She quickly realised that the traditional university path wasn’t for her. “I didn’t want the debt of going to university,” she explained. “But I also wanted to train on the job and earn while I learned. I learnt from my A-level in Accounting that I wanted to apply what I was learning in real-time, so an apprenticeship was the best route for me.”
During her apprenticeship, Bethany gained valuable experience across three engineering companies, seeing firsthand how accounting principles apply in different settings. “It wasn’t just sitting in a classroom reading about accounting theory,” she said. “I was out there, figuring out how different businesses operate and adapting my skills to fit them. That’s something you don’t get from textbooks.”
The apprenticeship also gave Bethany confidence in professional environments and helped her refine her communication skills. “It didn’t just prepare me for accounting work, it gave me the confidence to work alongside directors and clients,” she commented. “You can know all there is about accounting, but if you can’t explain it to people or hold your own in a professional setting, you’re not going to get very far.”
While software plays a big part in modern accounting, the in-depth knowledge and understanding gained through the course have been invaluable. Bethany credited the AAT Apprenticeship with providing her with a strong foundation. She explained, “I regularly use the accounting techniques that I learnt through the AAT Apprenticeship to find alternative and best ways of presenting and recording accounts for different situations.”
She also highlighted the unique advantage of learning on the job. This approach allowed her to improve her methods while applying fresh techniques directly to her company’s workflow. “The dynamic process of learning and applying my skills in real-time meant I could bring new perspectives to the business as I was training,” Bethany noted.
After completing her apprenticeship, Bethany was quickly promoted to Accounts Manager when her predecessor left, a clear indicator of how her hard work and adaptability paid off. “As an apprentice, I was a blank canvas moulded to work in a way that suited the business. I was fortunate that this led to a natural progression,” she recalled.
Armed with the skills and experience she’d gained Bethany made the bold decision to start her own business. As a self-employed Finance Controller, she now enjoys the flexibility to balance her career with raising her young family. “Going self-employed was a big step, but it gave me the freedom to manage my workload while being there for my children,” she said.
For anyone considering following in her footsteps, Bethany strongly advocates for apprenticeships. “An Accountancy apprenticeship is a good balance between getting a professional qualification and also getting hands-on experience,” she advised. “The skills I have learnt have been invaluable.”
She also encourages aspiring accountants to keep an open mind when choosing where to work. “Don’t limit your options based on the size of the business. Both small and large companies offer unique learning opportunities and advantages,” she added.
For Bethany, accounting is much more than sitting behind a desk crunching numbers; it is about understanding people, making businesses run smoother, and always looking for better ways to get things done. She’s not just an accountant: she’s a confident professional who has turned her expertise into a thriving business she’s proud of.
To find out more about the apprenticeships on offer at Truro and Penwith College please contact out team by email apprenticeships@truro-penwith.ac.uk
