Philip, who works at the Llandudno branch of Williams Denton has two children – three year old Calum and six month old Lucy. Meanwhile Bangor-based Ffion gave birth to her daughter Poppy (21 months) during her studies.
Williams Denton director Janet Jones said: “Achieving the ACCA status is an achievement for anyone, but the fact that both Ffion and Philip took less than three years to pass all 12 exams is exceptional. Add in the fact they both had babies along the way and that is a testament to their outstanding work ethic. As a team, we are very proud of them.”
Both Ffion and Philip started working for Williams Denton straight from school in 2007. They completed their three-year apprenticeship before beginning the ACCA exams.
Ffion said: “It has been hard work, but there’s no question it has been worth it. I have friends who went down the university route that are now struggling to get their careers started. They are caught in a Catch 22 where they can’t get the work they want because they don’t have the experience, and they can’t get experience without finding work.”
Philip added that he was in no doubt that the apprenticeship route had been the correct one for him. “I’m ACCA qualified, have real-life experience, a career and – most importantly – no student debt. It’s been the best route for me and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to take it.”
Williams Denton is committed to offering young people apprenticeship opportunities. The accountancy firm currently has three apprentices across its two offices in Bangor and Llandudno and expects to recruit again this summer.
“Our apprentices usually spend a year working in the office to help them understand the business, and then begin a two year day release course,” Janet explained. “We find this route works really well for our business as the apprentices learn relevant business skills while studying for their exams.”
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