SBP Accountants & Business Advisers (SBP), a leading North-east accountancy firm with offices in Aberdeen, Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Banff, has announced an exciting partnership with Aberdeenshire Council FA Team and their delivery in both Peterhead and Portlethen Academies, offering students an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in the accountancy field as part of their FA Accountancy award.
This initiative aims to shape the future and foster the next generation of accountants through an 8-week placement program.
SBP personnel will inspire and guide learners at both academies as they embark on their studies of the Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy. The program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the accounting profession with a hands-on approach within the SBP offices.
The placement will involve hosting students for approximately three hours per week at SBP’s Peterhead and Aberdeen offices from October until the Christmas break. During this period, students will engage in various accounting tasks, developing essential skills and gaining hands-on experience. SBP staff will also review and provide feedback on the students’ CVs, offering valuable insights at both the start and end of the placement. An early introduction to accounting software, Xero, is also planned, enhancing the students' technical skills and preparing them for modern accounting practices.
The program emphasises collaboration between school staff and SBP professionals in the co-design, delivery, and evaluation of the course content. This cooperative approach ensures that the program meets educational goals and industry standards, providing an all-round learning experience for students.
Commenting on the partnership, SBP’s business development director, Jamie Smith said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Peterhead and Portlethen Academies to offer students a practical insight into the world of accountancy. This program not only supports their academic journey but also helps them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in accounting. We look forward to working closely with the students and contributing to their professional growth.”
Representing Aberdeenshire Council, Helen Hendry, education development officer stated: “I am truly delighted to announce our partnership with SBP Accountants, which brings invaluable opportunities to our aspiring accountants. Through this collaboration, our students will benefit from motivational talks that inspire their career journeys, as well as practical work placements that offer firsthand experience in the accounting field. These initiatives not only equip them with essential industry knowledge but also help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success. We are excited about the future and the positive impact this partnership will have on our students' career aspirations."
This partnership represents SBP’s commitment to education and community involvement, helping to nurture future talent in the accounting industry. As the program progresses, SBP will continue to evaluate and refine the initiative, ensuring it delivers maximum benefit to all participants.