Name: William Booth
Office: Guernsey
Position: Senior Trust Administrator
When did you join Saffery and how did you hear about us?
I joined Saffery in early October 2016 having read about the company and current vacancies in the local newspaper.
What made you want to apply for Saffery?
When I left school I didn’t have a clear idea of what I specifically wanted to do although I knew I wanted to work in finance so I researched various fields of work. I was very keen to pursue a varied and interesting career which is something that the trust sector offered and Saffery provided me with the perfect opportunity to begin this career.
How would you describe the culture of Saffery/the Guernsey office?
I would mainly describe Saffery as a very nurturing place in the sense that there are great opportunities for staff, (especially trainees), to develop and grow. Everyone is also made to feel very welcomed and an integral part of the team, even when you join at trainee level.
How has Saffery helped you to learn and develop in your current role?
From the very beginning of my career at Saffery, the firm actively encouraged training and personal development and as a result I was able to explore the possibility of studying for a variety of different qualifications. The firm also has an exceptional training/learning and development program. For example one to ones (Performance and Development meetings) are extremely useful as they allow you and your manager to track your progress, personal development and to set new goals.
How much studying did/do you typically have to do?
I am studying towards the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) certificate. I found myself doing a few hours per week to begin with, building up to doing a couple of hours a day as the exam got closer.
How difficult were the exams? How does the firm offer you the support necessary to do this studying?
I have so far sat the Core and Accounting papers. The Core paper was much harder for me than the Accountancy paper. The firm offer one day off per subject for the certificate, which is very useful as I have been able to take the day off before the exam as a study day to prepare.
What would be your advice for school leavers or graduates looking to apply to Saffery for a job?
I would very much recommend joining Saffery either as a school leaver or university graduate. It’s a great place to start your career and you are very much supported through studies as well as your personal development. Before applying for the role I would strongly suggest exploring which study path you are hoping to undertake, as well as looking into what the role includes and the career paths that this can open up.