We dip into the finance department at the British Horseracing Authority for National Apprenticeship Week. As two members of the team came into their roles via apprenticeships. Read what Imogen and Arjan have to say, with a bit of apprenticeship advice getting into another area of the sport.
Imogen – Assistant Accountant
What was your background into the horseracing industry? (If any)
When I was younger, my Nan was a big fan of horseracing, so I went to Goodwood Racecourse for her birthday celebrations. My Dad also won tickets to the races in a raffle once so took me with him for the day. I don’t remember which racecourse, but I remember carefully choosing my bets (for my Dad to make of course) and came home with £5 profit so I was happy! Otherwise, I didn’t have much of a horseracing background, though I did love horses growing up and would take riding lessons when I had the opportunity.
Where did you find out about this role?
I originally applied for the British Horseracing Development Programme but didn’t get any further than the application. You then get sent around an email that had other job opportunities at the BHA and I saw the finance assistant role so thought I would apply for it. The role was open to someone qualified or as an apprentice role for someone in my position.
How did you get into this role, what was the interview process like?
Honestly can’t remember much more other than sending in the application and turning up for the interview, I was very nervous. I heard back a while later, but I assumed I hadn’t got it so was very surprised to find out I had!
Why did you choose an apprenticeship for your career path?
My background from university was Mathematics and Physics, I didn’t have much accountancy experience so an apprenticeship was a good way to learn about the job whilst doing it and putting what I’ve learnt into practice. It definitely helps more to understand the theory of a task whilst working though it at the same time.
What does a normal working day for you involve?
It changes based on the time of month and year. Typically, near the beginning of the month I’m wading my way through around 12 to 15 bank reconciliations. Whilst also inputting purchase ledgers invoices, raising sales invoices, inputting journals, dealing with expenses and company cars. Plus daily tasks like answering emails and phone calls and other jobs that need to be done.
Towards the end of the month, the bank reconciliation work is replaced by debt recovery work and other tasks I haven’t had a chance to finish yet, whilst all the other tasks I mentioned are continuous throughout the month. Every day involves a lot of numbers though!
What is the best part of your job (so far!)
I enjoy working with my team on our office day as we get to catch up with each other, though my days working at home I tend to get more done! I do enjoy the bank reconciliations as I like seeing everything balance at the end knowing it’s all gone through correctly.
Is there a challenging part of your job?
Sometimes there isn’t enough time in the day to complete everything which can feel overwhelming. However, I have learnt which tasks I need to prioritise during each part of the month so usually everything gets done when it needs to, so I don’t delay others who need the information from me.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking an apprenticeship?
Honestly, during your apprenticeship you probably won’t have much time to do things like go on holidays. I used most of my holiday days as revision days just before an exam so I could focus without as many distractions. This allowed me to feel as confident as I could going in there.
It helped me pass them all first time, and allowed for a schedule that let me get through them as fast as I could so I could get on with doing my job to the best of my ability. Always good to celebrate the end of your apprenticeship with a holiday though!
Arjan – Finance and Payroll Apprentice
Where did you find out about this role?
I actually found out about the role on LinkedIn.
How did you get into this role, what was the interview process like?
There was an application form where I filled out questions related to my role and the British Horseracing industry. I then had a face-to-face interview and at the end of the interview, I had a short test on my accounting knowledge.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship for your career path?
It allows me to learn about my role theoretically and gain the relevant accounting qualification (ACCA). I then get to put my skills into practice and gain experience in the live environment.
What does a normal working day for you involve?
For myself I deal with finance admin tasks such as inputting sales and purchasing invoices, entering in fixed assets and recoding expenses. I also input the changes to payroll for each month.
What is the best part of your job (so far!)
Being able to help ensure the payroll process goes smoothly.
Is there a challenging part of your job?
Yes studying and working can be challenging meaning that I must manage my time carefully.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking an apprenticeship?
The best advice I could give is make sure that you are organised and prepared which gives you the best chance of succeeding.
