From Graduate to Manager: Making the Most of Early Career Opportunities
When people think about a career in accountancy, they often focus on qualifications, exams and technical expertise. While these are undoubtedly important, they're only part of the picture.
Early Career
At UHY FDW, we've seen many individuals progress from interns, trainees, and graduates into leadership roles within the firm. While every career journey is different, there are common experiences, lessons and opportunities that help shape professional growth.
To explore what career progression really looks like, we spoke with one of our Audit & Accounts Managers, Shannon Murnion, who began her career with UHY FDW as a trainee and has since progressed through the ranks.
Learning the Ropes
The first few months in any new role can feel like a steep learning curve. For those starting their careers in accountancy, there's a lot to take in: understanding how the firm operates, getting to know colleagues, learning new systems, working with clients and balancing professional exams alongside day-to-day responsibilities.
What often makes the biggest difference during this period is the support available from those around you. Experienced colleagues, managers and mentors all play an important role in helping new team members gain confidence and settle into the profession.
“I remember the first day I walked through the doors of UHY Farrelly Dawe White, the person that opened the door that morning turned out to be one of my best friends. Everyone I met in those early days were so friendly and welcoming, whether it was passing in the hallway or saving me a seat in the kitchen. Those interactions had a huge impact in helping me settle in.”
Those early experiences often lay the foundations for long-term development. Learning how to ask questions, seek guidance and build relationships can be just as important as developing technical knowledge.
Learning, Developing and Building Confidence
As careers develop, learning increasingly comes from experience. Taking on responsibility, receiving constructive feedback and working closely with colleagues allows people to build confidence and develop new skills.
“In the first few years I leaned on my colleagues and close team members for help. I also had a fantastic manager who supported me in my role, giving me the scope to step up and take on challenges which helped to build my confidence and develop my technical skills.”
Investing in Leadership Development
At UHY FDW, initiatives such as High Achievers, Pathfinders, the UHY Forum and more recently the UHY Network Project Hermes, provide opportunities for people to expand their perspectives, connect with colleagues across the wider network and prepare for future leadership responsibilities.
“I was given the opportunity to attend the High Achievers programme around the same time I was promoted to Audit & Accounts Manager. This programme provided an insight into people management and essential leadership skills, which I found very beneficial. This programme also helped to develop relationships with my colleagues in different departments and other offices who I don’t get to work with very often.”
These wider development opportunities help individuals build confidence and gain insights that support the next stage of their career journey.
Values and Culture
Career development is also shaped by the culture people experience around them.
At UHY FDW, shared values form an important part of how colleagues work together, support one another and contribute to the wider firm.
“The Values Committee is something I am very proud to be a part of. The introduction of these values has encouraged us to demonstrate and live by the behaviours daily, which has shaped our culture in a very positive way.”
This focus on people, values and culture creates an environment where individuals can continue to develop, take on greater responsibility and grow into leadership roles.
Shannon has also seen the firm itself evolve throughout her career.
“Another change has been at firm level. I have watched so many positive changes happen since I started all those years ago. Investment in IT systems / audit software and an enhanced focus on people, values and culture which I am very proud to be a part of.”
This focus on people, values and culture creates an environment where individuals can continue to develop, take on greater responsibility and grow into leadership roles.
Becoming a Leader
One of the most significant transitions in an accountancy career is moving from trainee to senior and eventually into management.
As responsibilities grow, the role begins to change. The focus shifts from completing tasks and developing personal expertise to supporting team members, managing client relationships and helping others succeed.
Managers also play an important role in developing future talent, guiding colleagues through challenges and sharing the knowledge they have gained throughout their own careers.
“The biggest change has been my confidence in my role as I’ve grown and developed over the years. From being the junior on audit engagements, to now managing the job from start to finish whilst developing a strong relationship with those clients has been a big achievement for me. Through this experience, I have had the opportunity to coach junior members along the way, which I personally have found most enjoyable and rewarding. It hasn’t been long since I was also in that position, so I know how important it is to invest the time to share any knowledge that I can.”
This progression highlights just how broad the profession can be, with success relying on a blend of technical knowledge, communication skills, leadership and commercial awareness.
A Profession That Continues to Evolve
Many people enter accountancy expecting the profession to be focused primarily on numbers. However, as careers progress, they often discover that people, relationships and problem-solving sit at the heart of the role.
Understanding clients' needs, collaborating with colleagues and helping businesses achieve their goals become increasingly important aspects of the profession.
Advice for Future Graduates
For anyone considering a career in accountancy, the prospect of starting out can feel daunting. However, every experienced professional was once in exactly the same position.
The early years are an opportunity to learn, ask questions, build relationships and gain as much experience as possible. Success rarely comes from knowing everything at the start.
Instead, it comes from being curious, adaptable and willing to learn.
“If in doubt, always ask the question. Always go the extra mile and give every job 100% effort. Attend all training programmes and courses available they are so beneficial. Get involved in events and initiatives, it helps to build confidence and develop relationships across the firm.”
Looking Back & Looking Forward
Reflecting on a career journey can be a powerful reminder of how much growth takes place over time. From the challenges of the first day to the responsibility of leading teams and supporting clients, each stage brings new opportunities for development.
“My biggest achievement has to be qualifying with ACCA in 2021. I am also extremely proud to have progressed to Audit & Accounts Manager back in 2024. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I am grateful for all the opportunities, guidance and support that has helped me get to this stage in my career.”
At UHY FDW, that journey is supported by professional development opportunities, career progression pathways and the chance to build connections both inside and outside your immediate team.
Ultimately, a career in accountancy is about far more than qualifications or job titles. It is about continuous learning, building meaningful relationships, supporting others and growing into a trusted advisor and leader.
For those starting their journey today, the opportunities ahead are significant and the path from graduate to manager may be closer than they think.
