Everything I studied as part of my Finance and Accounting course is applicable in my role as a Finance Manager and Financial Controller.
Syed Naqvi
Financial Controller, NWF Fuels
MSc Finance and Accounting
MSc Finance and Accounting graduate, Syed, tells us about his career since finishing his studies at the University of Sheffield and how his course prepared him for the world of work.
After graduating from Sheffield University, I started my training contract with PwC in Scotland to pursue my CA qualification while working on the One Assurance Grad Scheme. As part of the Scheme for the duration of my training contract I worked within Internal Audit, External Audit, Risk Assurance and Tech Assurance. After successfully completing my CA qualification with all first time passes, I then transferred into External Audit.
I worked within External audit with FTSE 100 and SME clients to deliver assurance to capital markets. I was promoted to Audit Manager and then transferred across to the Stakeholder Assurance team focusing on ESG reporting. Later, I moved out of Practice to take on my 1st role within Industry with Bentley Motors Limited as a Finance Manager in the central Finance team looking after everything from reporting to audits to period closing, from ESG reporting to managing people. I am in the process of taking on a new role in NWF Fuels as a Financial Controller.
Everything I studied as part of my Finance and Accounting course is applicable in my role as a Finance Manager and Financial Controller.
During my time at Sheffield, I met with a range of students from across the globe. Each having a different perspective, different insight and different views. This allowed my own personal development in terms of how I approach challenges and opportunities. Additionally, it has equipped me with skills to communicate effectively with a range of individuals within the business. Also, experiences of being involved in student events gave me confidence to get on stage and present in front of large audiences.
Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. What you are thinking others might be thinking, is probably just in your own head. Try new things, speak to new people, and you never know what you might learn. Its the best time to explore and discover, make the most of it by making every day count.