Moving to a different country is both an exciting and frightening prospect. For trainee accountant Zydrunas Kacinskas it is a decision that has shaped his career.
The 24-year-old swapped Lithuania for the Granite City to take up a place studying Financial Accountancy at Aberdeen University and is now going through his traineeship in accounting at James Milne Chartered Accountants.
Being able to work towards his Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) qualification while gaining practical experience in a supportive environment has proved a winning formula for Zydrunas, who has completed Level One of ICAS and is currently working through Level Two.
The forward-thinking firm encourages young and diverse talent and offers mentorship and expert advice to Zydrunas, as well as flexible working to give him the best possible platform to gain ICAS accreditation.
Zydrunas said: “Moving to Aberdeen was quite an experience, especially coming from an Eastern European country, but for me the cultural difference was a positive thing. People spoke very quickly, which was difficult to get used to at first, but everyone was very welcoming and wanted to help you.
“After graduating from university I decided to apply for the traineeship at James Milne because it had everything I wanted to do. The rotations and variety of work, such as financial accounts, audit and tax, payroll and book-keeping, are great. The company is also hugely supportive of the study I need to undertake for ICAS.”
James Milne Chartered Accountants serves both personal and business clients across a diverse range of industries, from the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire staples of oil and gas and agriculture through to retail, hospitality, fishing, haulage, trades, construction and many more. With offices in Aberdeen and Inverurie, the firm is led by four experienced partners as part of a team of 30 specialists.
Zydrunas added: “When I first started there I was obviously nervous about it being my first proper job but I was soon made to feel at home. What I find really good is that you can go to anyone and ask anything, no question is too small, and that is so helpful to your learning process. There is so much experience within the firm, which is of huge benefit to me.
“The problem solving and the way you can approach things logically in Accountancy appeals to me. Even if you don’t have extensive knowledge at first it is something you can work out and ask for help if needed. That flexibility and ability to work quite independently is fantastic. There are a lot of opportunities available to you with ICAS which is great. It is a qualification that is recognised all over the world.”
James Milne prides itself on having a working environment that fosters progression, with a commitment to personal development throughout the firm.
Managing partner Graham Bridgeford said: “We want to encourage progression, so it is natural fit for us to take on trainees and guide them through their qualification. Our firm has an excellent mix of vast experience and fresh ideas, which is something we will foster as James Milne continues to develop.
“We hope to have created a challenging and friendly place to work, and Zydrunas has proved an excellent addition. He is fitting in well and we are looking forward to seeing his continued progress with us.”