Trainee Profile – Hazel Kelman
About me
After graduating from university, I decided to pursue a career in accountancy through the ACA qualification and joined Brebners. Having studied neuroscience and with no background in finance, I was drawn to Brebners as a medium-sized firm with a strong track record of training graduates from a wide range of backgrounds. Although I was apprehensive about starting with limited financial knowledge, I felt extremely well supported throughout the transition into working life and was pleasantly surprised by how applicable the transferable skills from my degree have been.
One of the reasons Brebners is such a strong training firm is the breadth of its client base. From art galleries, sport and media to consultancy, private equity and logistics, I have found it fascinating to work across such a variety of industries. This exposure has helped me understand the differences between business environments and structures, while also identifying the areas I find most interesting. Although I mainly work on accounts preparation and audits for small to medium-sized businesses, there are also opportunities to undertake secondments with other teams. This gives trainees the chance to experience and specialise in a wider range of areas than may be available at a larger firm.
The level of responsibility can feel like being thrown in at the deep end at first, but you are always well supported, and there is a strong sense of teamwork at Brebners. Being involved in audits and accounts preparation files from start to finish has been integral to my development as an accountant, both personally and professionally. It is also very rewarding to see the value you have added to the team.
Brebners ensures there are always opportunities and support for your growth. The training partners and your line manager regularly check in through reviews and next-step discussions to help you identify and reach your goals. They make it clear that they are invested not only in your career as an accountant, but also in you as a person.
Another thing that drew me to Brebners, and that I still love about the firm, is the social side. The office culture is collaborative and informal, with staff at all levels working closely together and building strong relationships. Everyone is always up for a good time, as shown by the number of socials throughout the year. These events are a great way to form even stronger bonds with colleagues and support the work-life balance everyone is looking for. Some favourites include the annual karaoke night, office quiz and Christmas party, along with newer additions such as charity bake-offs and sports day.
Many of the seniors, managers and partners at Brebners began as trainees themselves, so there is always someone who understands the training pathway and can offer relevant advice. Having a group of graduates in your intake is also extremely helpful when navigating exams and settling into the job. It is really important to have a strong support system, and there is definitely one at Brebners.
Not only is the firm itself a great place to train, but the location in Soho could not be more ideal. One of our favourite things to do as a graduate intake is try somewhere new for lunch each week. Maybe one day I will even have the self-restraint not to spend my pay cheque in Zara on my lunch break!
See Graduate Recruitment