As we mark National Mentoring Day on 27th October, at CRM we are proud to celebrate our commitment to mentoring and believe that it is one of the secrets of our success in retaining and developing our people to be some of the most committed and accomplished accountants in Oxfordshire.
We are very proud to support and fund our new CRM employees to work through the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualifications to become fully-fledged accountants at their own pace. It takes a few years of committed study and practice to achieve the qualifications and at CRM, the process is supported by pairing up an experienced accountant mentor with a new recruit.
Beccy Blake, CRM Accountant explains how mentoring at CRM works: “I am currently Hannah’s mentor and my role is to ensure that she is happy with the work she has been asked to do and to assist her with planning and prioritising her workload. I have built a good working relationship with Hannah (and my previous mentees), I am her first point of contact for any questions or concerns. I was there to begin Hannah’s induction on her first day and we have regular catch ups to give feedback to each other ever since.”
When trainee accountants become fully qualified, they are also asked to become a mentor to a junior team member. CRM Accountant Kate Thomas said: I was mentored by Beccy when I first joined five years ago, and I am currently mentoring James. I feel it really helps to have a specific contact, so if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, you have someone supportive to speak to.”
CRM’s newest trainee is James Partlett: “My mentors are Kate and Kat. I joined CRM recently with no prior accounting experience. Although officially I have two mentors, in fact everyone within the team is approachable for whenever guidance and advice are needed. My mentors help me to improve my skill set (and Kat tells me off for not drinking enough water!) which will hopefully result in me being able to mentor others and maintain this positive work environment.”
Alan Sowden, CRM’s Technical Director is proud to say that he has mentored several new trainees, two of whom are now fellow directors! “I felt privileged to start young people onto a successful career in accountancy. Having to teach someone the fundamentals really makes sure you understand it perfectly yourself.”
This is echoed by Jake Ormrod, CRM Accountant: “I have been mentoring Jess for the past year and I feel it has helped me develop in my role and hopefully I have helped Jess develop too! I believe it’s really important to have a mentor to ensure new trainees have that point of contact and the support they need to fulfil their potential.”
Charlotte Joyce is perhaps CRM’s longest serving trainee, having taken maternity leave three times in her eight years as a part-qualified accountant! “I have had to pick up each time from where I left off which isn’t easy. Having a very supportive team around me has definitely helped me to integrate back into work much easier. The team is always willing to help me and I feel the expertise within the firm helps to guide me. I know whatever the problem or query, someone will always have the answer. I also benefit from having Alan as my college mentor and he helps me to set realistic study goals. Together we work out a plan which fits with my work and home commitments.”
Beccy sums up what mentoring brings to CRM: “I feel that having the mentor system benefits CRM as it builds strong relationships between trainees and more senior members of the team. We work as one big team, so it is part of our culture that we are all there to help each other.”
We hope you are celebrating National Mentoring Day too – the perfect time to think about a mentor who shaped and supported you. Mentoring is an important part of the CRM culture, and we whole-heartedly recommend it as beneficial for both the mentor and mentee.
Contact the friendly, approachable accountancy team at CRM on 01865 379272.
