Emily Weir
2017 Business Accounting and Finance BSc graduate Emily is Risk and Controls Manager at Starling Bank in London, UK.
Interview
Since graduating, what have you gone on to do?
When I left university, I joined the PwC Edinburgh office in September 2017 as an Assurance Senior Associate. In this role, I worked on the external audits of financial services clients and regulatory focussed risk assurance jobs. Whilst at PwC, I had the opportunity to work with lots of different clients, take on project management roles, and have a large amount of client interaction. During that time, I also passed my final three exams to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant (CA). Since November 2020, I 've been in my new role of Senior Finance Specialist at Freetrade.
Is the above what you planned to do before starting university?
I did the PwC Flying Start degree programme which is a great way to fast-track in becoming a qualified Chartered Accountant. I knew when applying for the course that I would be completing placements with PwC, studying towards my ACA (the ICAEW Chartered Accountancy qualification) and, all being well, I would then be joining PwC full time after graduating. The course is very well structured, and the combination of studying, working and gaining a qualification made it a really attractive choice for me.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about my course was that it was quite small (around 50 people per year) and had a strong community feel. The programme was slightly different from other degree programmes as it included short placements each year followed by short windows of intense studying. It was great to have a close support network around me for this.
Did you complete a placement/year abroad/summer internship during your time at Newcastle?
The programme included three placements which I completed during my second, third and fourth year. I did these in PwC’s London office in the Asset and Wealth Management Team. Naturally, I felt quite nervous before starting the first placement, however I really enjoyed it and found it the right amount of challenging at the same time.
I think it has been integral to starting off my career in terms of growing my confidence and required skill set early. To anyone considering their next steps, I would really recommend doing a placement, whether it's a full year or shorter ones in the summer, to gain experience and get a feel for what you enjoy.
What extra-curricular activities or societies were you involved with during your time here?
I was on the swimming team throughout my time at Newcastle University. I used to swim competitively when I was younger but when I moved to Newcastle, I more wanted to join to keep fit and for the social aspect, and I absolutely loved it.
I met some great friends who I still regularly speak to and meet up with, and have great memories including going on tour to Spain and a weekend away in The Lakes.
How do you see future technologies and new ways of working (future of work) affecting your sector?
I think it's all very exciting to see how jobs in the accounting industry will change in the future. There will be a greater push towards the 'human element' of what we do, such as the decision making, the analysis of data and reviewing outputs of automation. In terms of the way we work, it's also very interesting to see lots of companies placing a focus on flexible working styles such as dress down days and remote working.
Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
With the way in which opportunities arise unexpectedly, this is very difficult to predict. However, I would like to move abroad in the future to experience working and living in another country. I am not 100% sure where or when yet, but in five years I will hopefully have this figured out and be there or on my way.
There are so many great people to meet at university. Whether they are in your accommodation, on your course, or members of your societies – just be yourself and you will meet best friends who are just like you!