For those taking their first steps in an Accountancy career Whether joining us on a placement year, through our graduate program, as an apprentice or studying for higher qualifications
As I progressed through my training I've been given more challenging work, trusted with more responsibility, and had an opportunity to really contribute to the team. Sean Busby, Audit and Accounts Senior
As I progressed through my training I've been given more challenging work, trusted with more responsibility, and had an opportunity to really contribute to the team.
Every year, a number of apprenticeships and postgraduate placements are available at Shorts, through our program of continual recruitment.
We are an ICAEW and ACCA approved training employer, but our placements do not only apply to those looking for a career in accountancy. We also provide training for careers in payroll, administration, IT, Tax, and Private Client.
Trainees and apprentices are fully supported throughout their training, with access to;
As part of our celebration of National Apprenticeships Week 2004, we spoke to a selection of our team, to hear their first-hand experiences of studying through the Apprenticeship route. A big thank you to Jake, Helena, Connor and Justina for agreeing to take part, and allowing us to share their thoughts.
In their own words, some of our recent trainees share their experiences.
"I joined Shorts three days after finishing my postgraduate exams and was welcomed into a healthy and supportive environment."
"From day one, I was given specialist training full of knowledge, expertise, and experience, and have always felt like a valued member of the team. Since joining Shorts, I have progressed from Adviser to Manager whilst being surrounded by support and encouragement from my Private Client family and wider colleagues."
"I am linked to my apprenticeship through chesterfield college, and have been having monthly remote meeting with my college tutor and in those meeting, he checks to make sure everything is going well and that I am comfortable with the work I am being assigned. I also have review sessions where Dan Neal joins the meeting and gives feedback on my progression and I give feedback on my experiences."
"I find the review sessions very helpful for knowing how I am getting on. The support from Shorts and the IT team has been unbelievable, they have been amazing in always making sure I am moving forward, I always have something to do, and they always make sure I am well prepared when tackling a new task. They have also been very helpful in helping me reach the targets set by college. "
"Personally, I decided to study through an apprenticeship as I felt it gave a better balance of practical and theoretical experience.”
"Throughout my study so far, I’ve received so much support. From Shorts, my manager has regular check-ins with me, I have multitudes of support from my colleagues who have already completed the apprenticeship, from ICAEW, I have in-person meetings where they provide information and help, and from my education provider, I have received so much quality teaching and the ability to ask questions and request extra support if needed."
In September 2024, Korresia joined the Sheffield & District Chartered Accountants Student Society committee and became an ICAEW Student Council representative. She recently attended the Council’s AGM in London - read her blog in full below
I completed my master’s in development economics at the University of East Anglia.
Yes, I have always been interested in working in accountancy practice because it offers professional training and qualifications that truly make you stand out. The skills you develop are highly sought after in almost every industry.
I was particularly drawn to Shorts because of its strong emphasis on a positive workplace culture. Since we spend a significant amount of time at work, I wanted to be part of an environment that felt welcoming and supportive—and Shorts provided exactly that.
It was intense. However, I got support from both the recruitment agency and Shorts. For instance, when I came for the assessment centre and interview, Shorts offered to pay for my train tickets and ensured that I was comfortable.
It was seamless. I received plenty of support from my team members and managers, and everyone was incredibly friendly, which made the transition smooth.
It has been a great experience. I manage a portfolio of clients, and my managers have been incredibly supportive, ensuring I never feel overwhelmed. I’ve also been exposed to complex tax transactions, which have helped me expand my knowledge and skills.
Balancing work and studying have been challenging. However, Shorts has provided extensive support to help me manage both effectively, including allowing time off for tuition and exams.
Having direct access to training from senior team members Receiving on-the-job support has been invaluable. I feel comfortable asking questions, knowing that experienced colleagues are always there to help.
Successfully managing my client portfolio and taking advantage of opportunities within the firm have been my biggest achievements so far.
Study hard, pass your exams and come work with us! 😊
I studied Forensic accounting at Sheffield Hallam University.
Yes, I knew I wanted to work in accountancy, but I never really considered tax. I was constantly learning new things about the industry at uni, and I found it all really interesting.
I found Shorts through my uni; they recommended Shorts as a good firm that took on several graduates. I liked that I wouldn’t be the only new starter and that there would be a few other people in the same situation as me. It was a local firm and I liked that it was a bit smaller and more intimate.
It was definitely a challenge, but I think I was well prepared for it. I liked the variety of tasks between all the stages, and I feel like that allowed me to demonstrate a range of skills.
I thought the induction process was good to learn the ropes a bit and start to get settled in. We went out for lunch on my first day which was really nice to get to know people outside the work setting. It was a bit overwhelming meeting so many new people and learning so many new systems, but everyone was really understanding and helpful, and I definitely felt welcomed.
I’ve really enjoyed my time so far with Shorts. There’s always something happening and loads of opportunities to get involved with. I’ve started studying towards my ATT qualifications, which ties in nicely to the work I’m doing at the same time. I’ve worked on a range of projects and been exposed to a lot of new information, which I’ve really enjoyed; I feel like I’m constantly learning something new.
I think learning to adapt to working full time and balancing my ATT studies has been a challenge. Things can be quite fast paced at work and then having additional studying on top felt quite difficult at first, but I managed to find ways of managing everything that worked for me.
I would definitely say working to the tax deadline in January the most rewarding. It took a lot of hard work so seeing it pay off was super rewarding. The team really worked together and despite the time pressures and workloads.
I’ve faced a lot of challenges so far at Shorts and have also learnt a lot. I think generally settling into the role, meeting people and getting involved with different opportunities so far has been great but I’m excited to see what is achievable in the future.
I would say take advantage of every opportunity you can. Build up soft, transferable skills as well as the technical ones because these are really important for every role. Make yourself aware of what’s going on around you and what you might find interesting, staying up to date on what is new in the industry.
I studied Business Accounting and Finance at the University of Derby
Before Shorts, I had not worked within Accountancy
I was really drawn to the development and work-life balance that Shorts advertised. I felt that my personal development and training would be a priority within whatever team I was a part of and that was my main objective when looking for a graduate role. I also really liked how Shorts made an effort to create a healthy work-life balance for their employees.
I found it a bit nerve-wracking, but overall good. When I had the interviews and Assessment Centre, I was obviously nervous going into them but started to feel at ease once they started. I felt very comfortable and was put at ease very quickly.
The induction process was fine. I liked how I wasn’t given all the documents and information at once, but rather it was kind of drip fed to me over my first couple of weeks.
I have genuinely really enjoyed my time at Shorts. I find the work that I do to be interesting, and I really like the team I have joined.
The greatest challenge I had was just getting up to pace with everything. Going from Uni where everything is a bit more relaxed and at a slower pace to work life where there are more deadlines and people relying on you, I found to be difficult at first. Luckily for me, I had a manager who would keep encouraging me and helping me, so that I was able to get into a better rhythm for work.
Getting through the January tax rush was really rewarding. It was the busiest and most stressful time that I have had since starting at Shorts, and to be able to get it done was great. I felt such a massive sense of achievement and accomplishment when it was all done.
Shorts recently merged with another firm, and I was given half of the new clients. When I first saw the number that I would be dealing with, I didn’t know if I would be able to file all their returns on time, but somehow, I was able to get them all done within the deadline.
My biggest advice for anyone progressing through their degree would be to look at other firms other than the traditional ‘big firms’. I truly believe that a big part of my enjoyment with my work so far has been that I am part of a team and firm that genuinely care about me. I don’t feel like just another number, but actually part of team. I also feel that being at a ‘smaller firm’, I have been able to get more hands on experience compared to others at the same point in my career.
I studied accounting and finance at Sheffield Hallam University.
If I’m honest, I wasn’t sure; after doing a degree at university in accounting, I didn’t have much practical experience and it’s hard to know if your enjoyment of the academic side is going to translate into the practical side of it. It’s a big jump going into the corporate world, but its something that for me was necessary to find out what I really wanted to do.
Their consciousness to providing a great place to work. Not a lot of firms realise that at the end of the day employees are the heart of what they do, but Shorts seemed to understand this. They offer flexible hours and a no overtime policy which means I still have my evenings and weekends and don’t have to miss out on things that I loved doing before starting full-time work.
The graduate recruitment process was very smooth, I was consistently updated and kept in the loop. This was great since when applying for a job it’s horrible waiting around to hear if you get through to the next stage, so the fact that they were aware of this and tried to reduce how stressful it would be as much as possible was a positive sign.
The induction process was very welcoming and structured. We were taken out for lunch on our first day to meet part of the team in a more informal environment which helped us build fundamental connections with our colleagues. Not only this, but we were enrolled in large amounts of training, this aided our transition into our role and made sure we weren’t thrown in the deep end without anything to support us.
So far, it’s been full of development opportunities which have been massively beneficial to my growth within my role. I’ve enjoyed that I have been faced with a variety of tasks, so I am always learning something new.
My greatest challenge so far has been doing the exams as part of my apprenticeship. They are very difficult, and it is hard to remain resilient if you don’t pass them, but I think it is important to remember that it is not a reflection on your intelligence or capabilities, but something to learn from. I look forward to when I have passed all my exams, and I can look back and feel proud of myself for sticking through it.
The most rewarding thing has been noticing my own development within my role and recognising the progress I have made in my time here. When I first started, everything was new and I felt out of my depth, but now that I have settled in, I can see how much more independent I am within my role and see my how my technical skills have vastly improved.
I don’t think there is just one thing. I have achieved so much since I started at Shorts, and I have faced a lot of challenges. I am excited to accomplish more as I continue to progress.
I would advise them to think about how happy they will be in a role and what the company can provide them. Transitioning from study to a full-time job isn’t always about how you can appeal to firms, but how they can appeal to you. It’s good to consider what development you can get out of it, what are the available opportunities, and how much support will there be as these are key to finding a great place to work.
I studied Computer Science at the undergraduate level and Business Intelligence & Analytics at the postgraduate level.
I have not worked within accountancy before joining Shorts, although I have worked within the financial services industry.
A couple of things attracted me to Shorts. The first being that after my graduation when I applied to four accounting firms, Shorts response time from the first interview to the last stage was the shortest. The second thing was the last stage of the interview where I had a chat with a partner and senior manager where they highlighted the opportunities to achieve excellence, and the support provided for both personal and professional development.
About 2 months before I resumed at Shorts, I got the invite for the last stage of interview at one of the firms I had earlier applied, I told the recruiter that I am already committed and apologised that I won’t be able to attend the interview. I remember a friend mentioning to me then that I should have attended the interview to enable me to evaluate my options, I told him humorously that there is no point comparing options at this stage that I prefer to be focused on my choice. Looking back, I am pleased I made the decision.
I went through three stages during the graduate recruitment process. After completing an assessment test which includes a recorded video interview, I was invited for the assessment centre after 3 weeks. As this was my first assessment centre, I took time to research the expectations and understand how the process works.
Particularly, I find the assessment centre interesting, the negotiations we had as candidates during the teamwork where we were to analyse a business case, the diverse opinions generated and ability to conclude and put forward some recommendations was fascinating. The interaction with current staff at the assessment centre also provided an avenue to hear more about the company and it gave me an impression of the company’s culture.
The last stage of the recruitment process which was one week after the assessment centre was the interview with the partner and senior manager, that interaction helped me gain a better understanding of what is expected especially the need to be prepared to take professional exams.
Overall, the graduate recruitment process was a valuable experience for me, it was well-structured with a broad range of aspects covered. Moreover, the time gap between the stages was short, ensuring a smooth and encouraging process.
Prior to my resumption, I was elated to get a personalised recorded video from the Head of HR welcoming me to Shorts. Upon resumption, I was attached to a buddy who was my go-to person for immediate clarifications and quick question. Within the first week, there were various welcome sessions with other units, I believe the process ensured a smooth settling in and easy integration into the system.
Specifically, I believe the buddy system worked for me, being new in a system, it might sometimes be difficult to want to turn to anybody to ask questions, however it was quite easy to ask my buddy. Gradually, as I settled in the system and able to remember names, I felt more comfortable to approach anybody for help on the job.
Joining a company as a new employee, I believe it is natural to be sceptical if truly the company lives by its core values. I know organisations where core values are merely statements on paper for PR purposes. Working here so far, I can attest that the company embodies its values of being (Reliable, Human, Joined-up, Proactive, Leading). At Shorts, there is inclusivity, and you are sure of getting help if you ask.
A couple of things that I cherish here: regular catch up with line managers – this does not allow issues to be left unresolved for a long time; flexible working policy, engaging teamwork.
The greatest challenge for me has been combining studies with work. In the last 18 months, I have had to reduce social outings and declined some social invites to enable me concentrate on my professional exams. However, I must say it’s been worth the sacrifice.
The opportunity to learn and grow within the system has been quite rewarding for me as I look forward to becoming a qualified accountant in the not-too-distant future.
It’s amazing for me because I have always loved accounting, but I was reluctant to pursue a career earlier in it because over the years I have viewed accounting solely from the traditional reporting role; my orientation started to change after my degree program when I discovered that there is so much more than financial reporting to being an accountant.
With the skills and experience that I have gained from the jobs I have undertaken since joining Shorts, I am certain, I chose the right career path.
My greatest achievement has been continuously enhancing my skills and applying those improvements on the jobs assigned to me.
My advice would be that they should begin to attend career fairs early to explore opportunities and start connecting with professionals in that field. Doing this would help them gain insight early enough into their potential career paths.
It is also important to start developing soft skills while pursuing degree, as these soft skills would help during the recruitment process and even beyond. It is also important to make continuous learning a priority, it is an important attribute that must be retained as they prepare to transition from their degree programme into employment.
We spoke to some of our apprentices to ask them
“Before starting my placement, I knew I wanted to work with a firm that not only had a strong reputation but also one that valued the development of its people and offered a broad range of experience. Shorts stood out to me not only because of its longstanding reputation, but also because of its innovative approach and collaborative culture. I knew I would be learning from professionals who were both technically excellent and committed to mentoring the next generation of accountants.”
“This placement has not only confirmed my interest in accountancy but has also given me a clearer sense of direction for my future. I’ve developed technical and interpersonal skills, built professional confidence, and gained insights into how accountancy firms operate beyond what I could have learned in a lecture theatre. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Shorts for such a rewarding and enriching year. I’ve enjoyed coming to work each day, largely because of the amazing people I’ve had the experience of working with. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better team and placement experience over the last 13 months.”
Completing training within an apprenticeship scheme is increasingly popular and we thank Connor Marshall, Justina Bhandal, Jake Furniss and Helena Flatters for sharing their thoughts. Each being at different stages of their apprenticeships; Jake started his fairly recent, Justina and Connor are progressing through theirs, and Helena recently completed hers in 2023.
We asked our apprentices, what it was about training through an apprenticeship that had really appealed to them?
What came through the most, was the ability to learn within a working environment with the opportunity to also acquire new skills.
We talked to our apprentices, to learn more about what they had found the most challenging aspect of their apprenticeship?
It was interesting to learn how time management was high on everyone’s list, but also good to hear how they worked to overcome those difficulties.
We asked our apprentices, to talk a little bit about the support they had received during their apprenticeship
Skills coaches, additional study materials, support within the working environment and additional flexibility around exam dates to ensure that all work was completed with minimum stress.
We asked our apprentices to talk a little bit about their achievements whilst studying for their apprenticeship?
We’re really proud of our apprentices and the hard work they have put into their studies. They deserve to be proud of their achievements.
We asked our apprentices to talk about the skills that they had learned whilst completing their apprenticeships.
Alongside the technical knowledge required for the professional qualifications, our team talked about learning about leadership, teamworking, negotiations, leadership, and communication skills – all valuable and transferrable skills for their future careers.
We asked Connor, Helena, Justina and Jake whether they would recommend apprenticeships to others as a method of study.
Their enthusiasm shows through, and all three of them definitely would.
For many, completing professional qualifications is only the beginning of their journey. Understanding how to achieve a promotion or climb the career ladder is the natural next step.
So, our Management Development Program is designed specifically for those individuals wanting to understand, plan and navigate their route to promotion.
Through a program of structured courses, mentoring, and training we continue to support our team throughout their development journey.
Career Opportunities
Interested in working at Shorts?
Visit our careers pages for details of our current vacancies.
Healthy life balance
We look after our clients really well, but we also look after our team, because we know that their welfare and development are equally as important.
For everyone, personal time when we are not working is extremely valuable, and it is for that reason, that our zero overtime policy was created. Fundamentally, we do not expect any of our team to work more than their basic weekly hours.
Although this practice is quite unique within the accounting industry, we are proud to consistently see average overtime at less than one hour per employee per month.
Hybrid working, core hours, and zero overtime policies mean that our team manage their time better – both in and out of the office.
Enjoying our work
We don’t work to unrealistic timescales and never accept client work that we are unable to fulfil.
We aim to manage our employee levels to ensure that our team is always around 15% over capacity at any time, meaning that they should never feel overwhelmed or under undue pressure.
Consequently, our team have the appropriate time to focus on their work – time to think, time to analyse, and time to bounce off one another with ideas. Not only does this lead to improved job satisfaction, but also results in higher levels of client service.
Charity
Our team regularly takes part in local and national fundraising events and all team members have the opportunity to take part in one volunteering day each year. There is an opportunity to get involved in
– sporting events, tournaments and challenges – cake sales – Christmas events – Local charity collections
Employee Benefits
Those who work for Shorts can expect all the stuff you would normally expect from a really progressive form, and lots more besides.
Team News
We work together, celebrate our successes together and always share our team news.
To find out more about what’s been happening recently, visit our LinkedIn page.
Working at Shorts
We have created an environment where our team feel supported, developed and happy.
We provide our team with a blend of interesting and challenging work with time to contribute their own ideas, concentrate on personal development whilst ensuring a healthy life balance, both in and out of work.
Career Progression
In the world of accounting and financial management, Malcolm Pope’s story is truly inspiring. This month, we're celebrating his 25th work anniversary. From a fresh graduate to a partner at Shorts, his journey shows his dedication, resilience, and passion for the profession.
From coffee mornings to Sparkle walks and annual Christmas jumper days, we at Shorts take part in numerous charity fundraising events every year. However, we are excited to announce that following a team poll, Sheffield Children’s Hospital will become the first official Shorts charity of the year.
This week we bid farewell to Jaskaran Mehat, who comes to the end of her placement year with us. As she returns to the University of Lincoln to complete her degree in Accountancy and Finance, we thank her for her enthusiasm, energy and the contribution she has made to our team over the last 13 months, whilst also wishing her the very best of luck for the final year of her degree and future career. On leaving, Jaz provided us with some thoughts and reflections on her time with us. Her words as follows:
We’re always open to talking to great people. If you feel that Shorts would be a great fit for your next career move, then why not send us your contact details; we’ll give you a call and maybe meet up to chat over coffee? (If you’d prefer to send us your CV, you can add that too) As part of our commitment to promote diversity we ask that candidates remove any personal traits such as name and date of birth as part of our initial screening process thus enabling us to make talent decisions based on skills and experience.
