At Seavor we are big believers that there is no single route into an accountancy career.
For Charlie, his career journey started straight after Sixth Form with a decision that went against the grain.
Choosing a different path
Charlie joined the team in July 2022, fresh out of Sixth Form where he studied Spanish, travel and tourism, and business.
Like many students, he felt the pressure to go to University, but it didn’t feel like the right fit.
“I didn’t want to go to Uni. School really pushed it and that actually put me off. I just thought I would go and do my own thing.”
He began applying for apprenticeships locally but hit an unexpected barrier. Because his GCSEs were assessed during COVID, he was awarded predicted grades that didn’t reflect what he felt he could achieve.
“A lot of firms wanted higher grades, so I got rejected from most of them. There wasn’t even a way to explain my situation.”
Things changed through a simple introduction. A friend recommended SeavorChartered, Charlie sent his CV over and not long after he got the call for an interview.
What an accountancy career is really like
Ask people what word springs to mind thinking of an accountancy career and you might hear a common conception… boring! Charlie disagrees.
“There is a lot more to it than people think. You are not just doing one thing all day.”
Working in a firm like SeavorCharted means getting exposure to a wide range of work. Charlie now works across accounts, tax returns, VAT, capital gains, management accounts and more.
“I like being able to dip into everything. It makes you more versatile and helps you understand how it all fits together.”
That variety also means seeing jobs through from start to finish. Instead of handing work between departments, Charlie often handles the full process himself.
“You are not just doing one part and passing it on. You understand the full picture, which is better for you and better for the client.”
The detail behind the numbers
One of the biggest surprises for people outside the profession is how much detail and judgement is involved. Different industries come with completely different rules and considerations.
“With VAT, for example, it changes depending on what the business does.
“A bakery is completely different to a garage. Even things like hot food versus cold food can change the treatment.”
There are also areas most people never think about, like Machine Games Duty on fruit machines in pubs, or the nuances of second-hand car sales.
“It’s all the little things you wouldn’t expect. You’ve got to think about how each business actually works.”
More than just numbers
Charlie is now studying towards the ACA qualification with ICAEW, having already completed his AAT qualifications and gained MAAT status.
Interestingly, one of the first areas he’s studying is business law.
“It shows it’s not just about numbers. You need to understand the bigger picture and what the information is actually telling you.”
That’s where accountancy moves into advisory.
“It’s not just about preparing accounts. It’s about helping clients make better decisions.
“If someone’s got a big tax bill and they’re not paying into a pension, you can help guide them. It’s about understanding the situation and helping them plan better.”
Learning on the job
A big part of Charlie’s career development has come from hands-on experience.
“I’ve been lucky to get exposure to a lot of different work, including everything from cryptocurrency tax calculations to running internal training sessions for the team.
“You don’t just get taught everything in a classroom. A lot of it comes from doing the work and learning as you go.”
The road to Chartered
Becoming Chartered isn’t a quick process. It requires consistent effort over several years. Charlie is working through the ACA exams alongside his day-to-day role, with a plan to qualify by the end of 2027.
“It depends how fast you want to go, but it’s not something you do in a year. You’ve got to put the work in.”
The structure is different from traditional college learning, with more self-driven study alongside work.
“You are balancing everything yourself. It’s more responsibility, but it gives you more control as well.”
A different kind of career
Charlie’s career story is a good reminder that there’s more than one way into a professional career.
You don’t need a traditional University route. You don’t need perfect grades. What matters is willingness to learn, adaptability and getting stuck in.
And as for accountancy being boring?
“I hear that all the time. But once you are in it, you realise how much there actually is to it.”
Starting your career at Seavor
If you are finishing school, rethinking University, or looking for a more hands-on route into a professional career, SeavorChartered offers a different path.
There’s opportunities to get real experience from day one, work across a wide range of clients and industries, and build your qualifications alongside a supportive team that wants to see you progress.
Get in touch with us to find out more about current opportunities and how to start your journey.
