Accounting For Success- 2022 Best Final Year Student

AAB the tech enabled business critical services group, sponsors of the Robert Gordon University Best Final Year Student in Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) awards the 2022 prize to Matthew Buckham.

At AAB we know that recognition of talent and the hard work of students is of the utmost importance. Supporting the development of the next generation of accountants is something so important to us as a firm. Giving back will always be at the core of the group. Since the introduction of the award we have enjoyed building long-term relationships with students from RGU. This is the 25^th year that we have sponsored the award, and every year we are impressed with the high standard of candidates that graduate from this course and enter into our industry.

The winner of this year’s award Matthew is local to Aberdeen, having lived in the city his whole life. He was attracted to RGU because it is one of the few universities that offers a work placement throughout the course of studying. Matthew undertook his placement year here at AAB. He spent 7 months in the Audit & Assurance department before moving to Business Advisory Services within the BAG team for the remainder of his placement.

Matthew said “for me, having the opportunity to undergo a work placement was really important. I knew that it would be key for my learning and development throughout my degree. It would also give me a better idea of what a role in this field would actually be like and help me decide what area of accounting and finance I wanted to specialise in. Work placements are a great chance to see what a work environment is like. Prior to starting my placement at AAB, I worked in a gym which gave me great experience working in a team and working with colleagues. I knew however that if I wanted to pursue a career in accounting and finance it would stand me in good stead to have experience working in such an environment.”

Fiona Henderson, Business Advisory Services Senior Manager said of his placement “we were delighted to have Matthew working with us in the team. He enjoyed getting involved on various jobs and it was great to see his confidence and knowledge grow during the time he was with us. Matthew worked within the team seamlessly and due to his hard work and conscientious approach to working we offered Matthew the opportunity to extend his contract when he returned back to university for his 4^th year.”

“Extending my contract at AAB just felt like the right thing to do. I had already learned so much during my placement but working while I continued my studies presented me with a new and exciting challenge. I’m definitely of the belief that you don’t grow in your comfort zone so I more than welcomed the challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed the demand and on the job experience the role provided me. A highlight for me was preparing a set of accounts from start to finish with minimal assistance. This was not only challenging but also rewarding as it gave me a chance to test and grow my knowledge on this type of accounts. It also set me up for my 4^th year studies in which we had a module on group accounts. I think work placements are invaluable in that aspect- providing experience that prepares you for studying as well as in job situations.

Audit Partner, Derek Mair commented “It is an honour each year to present this award. The hard work and dedicated of the candidates from RGU will never not be impressive for me. The biggest congratulations to Matthew, it is amazing to see his commitment and determination to succeed pay off.”

Following his graduation, Matthew will be joining AAB as a graduate in our Business Advisory Services team.

Matthew commented “winning this award is extra special for me. I have been lucky enough to secure a grad role here and my hard work within my degree has been recognised by my future employer. It feels like a very full circle moment. I can’t wait to start my career journey with AAB and see where the next 5 years takes me.”