Shropshire's Nathan qualifies as chartered accountant
A South Shropshire boy who left school at 16 and took an accountancy apprenticeship with one of Shropshire’s leading land agents has recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Nathan Baker’s career story started a year earlier when, in 2011, he undertook his school week’s work experience with Balfours accounts department.
The following year he approached the company for advice on the qualifications he should study for, they offered him an apprenticeship.
This involved four years day release and by 2016 he had achieved the Association of Accounting Technicians - AAT, Level Four Diploma in Accounting and a Level Four Diploma in Business Studies.
Nathan said: “I took time out from studying, really to get more experience under my belt, then Covid happened so I embarked on my ACCA studies in 2021.
"This involved two evening classes a week for three and a half years, plus an exam every quarter – totalling 13 exams.”
Craig Varley, Balfours Business Manager, said: “Nathan has been diligent throughout and has really earned his success, we are all very proud of him.
"Here he is 28 years old, deputy head of finance, having earned from the age of 16 years old. He is a great example to us all that there are alternatives to University and associated debt.”
Nathan added: “It is thanks to the support Balfours has given me throughout my studies, both mentoring and financial support for courses and exams; I am immensely grateful for that.
"Now I don’t have to be studying, my next mission is to start house hunting and buy my own home. As a fully qualified accountant with a good employment record I’m hoping I should be able to get a mortgage.”
