Dani is a Tax Trainee who has developed a very varied base of knowledge and experience since she embarked on her career in the world of accountancy over seven years ago.
Dani Longney has been part of the team for five years following an acquisition by Randall & Payne of the Tewkesbury-based firm she worked for previously. Since then, she has thoroughly enjoyed working here and has not looked back.The early days…On completion of her A‘levels, Dani secured the position of Trainee Payroll Administrator with her previous firm. It was an eventful start to her new career – she recalls receiving her results in her first week of working and then celebrating her 18th birthday just two weeks later.The Randall & Payne way…Working at Randall & Payne has been a different experience to the 18 months at her previous firm. Most noticeably, the focus on how things are done in order to improve processes and work as efficiently as possible. Although her job role remained the same, she describes the transition as ‘joining the Randall & Payne family’. Everyone was very friendly and supportive and helped her to settle in quickly.The qualifications…Dani started working towards an NVQ qualification in payroll administration but was unable to gain the full qualification when her local college dropped the course due to not having enough students on it! With the firm’s backing, she decided she would like to study towards her AAT and although still in her payroll position, she spent time with the accounts team to enable her to put the technical knowledge she was learning into practice.Once Dani had achieved her AAT she applied for her current position of Trainee Tax Accountant and is now studying for her ATT. She already has her sights on her chartered qualification with the firm’s full support.Through Dani’s experience it is very apparent that Randall & Payne are committed to training their staff. “They understand the impact that training has on the day to day knowledge, progression has on motivation, and ultimately the positive benefit on service to the client”, comments Dani.The balance of work versus study…There is no denying it is a tough balancing act, particularly when work is busy – January is the busiest month for the Tax team. Studying is a big commitment and requires a lot of time outside of work to do what is necessary to pass the exams. Randall & Payne allow paid time to attend the courses and sit the exams which is a great help.Dani’s coping strategy is to put her study into perspective by reminding herself that it is only temporary and all her hard work will pay off once she has achieved the qualifications and progresses her career.Thankfully she has a very supportive team who offer to help by marking practice questions for her and explaining some of the complex technical areas in more detail.The typical day…Believe it or not, a day in the life of a Trainee Tax Accountant can be varied! From the preparation of tax returns for both individuals and partnerships, and assisting with tax planning opportunities for clients, to dealing with all kinds of client queries and supporting colleagues as well more junior members of the team.Dani says, “I really enjoy the variety that my role offers and although some days can be more challenging, I know my team are always there to help!”“The people at Randall & Payne make it an enjoyable place to work. I love the fact everyone is friendly, we get on so well, and help each other out. It helps that I find the work I do very interesting too!”The end goal…Dani’s ambition is to become a Chartered Tax Advisor which she will achieve once she has passed all of her exams and gained three years of practical experience. She is well on her way having already transferred to the Tax Pathway which enables her to start her CTA whilst completing her ATT.We employ twelve trainees who have a can-do attitude and are willing and able to embrace change. We are committed to fully training and developing our trainees so that they are able to make a positive difference to our clients. If you are interested in being considered for this year’s trainee intake please contact us on 01242 776000 or email HR@randall-payne.co.uk
