Ahmed Patel

A dedicated and self-driven Accounting and Finance student with a strong work ethic, I am eager to apply my academic knowledge to real-world financial and business challenges. Through my experience working in accounting offices, including EG Group's accounting office and HYMK Accountants, I have gained valuable insight into the practical aspects of the finance industry, learning how to manage company accounts at EG Group and focusing on the tax side of accounting at HYMK. This exposure has given me experience across different areas of the accounting spectrum.

I am currently seeking a graduate scheme to apply my academic knowledge and further develop my technical skills within a professional accounting environment, while remaining committed to continuous learning and accuracy and aiming to contribute effectively to your team as I progress towards becoming a qualified accountant.

Work Experience Placement - HYMK Accountants - Preston

(2025-03 - 2025-05)

Completed a 12-week placement at an accountancy practice led by a former KPMG Corporate Tax Consultant and HMRC Tax Inspector. Gained hands-on experience with key accounting processes and software tools, while developing practical workplace skills.

• Bank Reconciliation – Prepared and balanced bank reconciliations, including detailed statement analysis to ensure accuracy and support timely client reporting.
• Payroll Processing – Processed payroll using Payroll Manager software and submitted RTI (Real Time Information) to HMRC, ensuring full compliance with payroll regulations.
• Corporate Tax Insight – Shadowed a colleague to learn how to calculate corporation tax using a CT600 calculator. Gained understanding of allowable expenses and adjustments for UK corporate tax returns.
• Client Records Management – Updated and maintained client files (e.g. registered addresses, company numbers), supporting GDPR compliance and efficient year-end reporting.

Optical Assistant (Part-Time) - Specsavers - Preston

(2024-01)

Work part-time as an Optical Assistant, supporting both clinical and retail functions in a busy optician's practice. Engage directly with customers and assist in the delivery of high-quality eye care services. In my role, I developed strong customer service and teamwork skills by helping customers choose suitable frames and lenses based on their prescription, style, and comfort.

I worked closely within a team of around fifteen staff members to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and provide an important level of service, contributing to the shared goal of making sure every customer left satisfied. Through supporting customers with different vision needs, I also improved my communication and problem-solving skills, while gaining a better understanding of the overall customer experience in an optometry setting.

Work Experience - Euro Garages - Preston

(2023-02 - 2023-03)

Completed a short-term placement in the Finance Department (TSS Team), shadowing colleagues across Invoicing, Accounts Payable, and Banking functions. Gained foundational knowledge of accounting processes and strengthened key workplace skills.

• Invoice Entry: Learned how to accurately perform invoice data entry using internal finance systems. This helped me understand the importance of accuracy and coding in financial records.
• Posting Invoices: Observed and assisted in posting supplier invoices into the accounting system. This gave me practical exposure to the workflow of the Accounts Payable function.
• Direct Debit Monitoring: Gained insight into tracking and reconciling direct debits. Developed an understanding of cash flow impact and the need for timely reconciliations.

Waiter (Part-Time) - Iceberg - Preston

(2022-05 - 2022-11)

Worked in a busy, popular restaurant environment, providing excellent customer service and supporting smooth daily operations in a fast-paced setting.

Electrical Assistant (Part-Time Volunteer) - SQ Electrical Ltd - Preston

(2021-06 - 2021-12)

Volunteered to assist electricians by supporting daily tasks on-site and following safety protocols.

BSc - Accounting and Financial Studies - University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) (2023-09)

BTEC Extended Diploma - Business Studies - Cardinal Newman College (2021-09 - 2023-05)

GCSE - General Studies - Moor Park High School (2016-09 - 2021-07)