Accounting Aces

On the 31 March we pulled up the driveway of the Georgian mansion, Sketty Hall, in Swansea. Set in its own grounds with ornate Italian gardens, it is an inspiring location and we were there for a very special occasion – the final of Wales’ first ever Accountancy skills competition.

Organised and hosted by Swansea College as part of our skillscompetition Wales, the unique setting added to the excitement. We could feel the tension in the air as the teams of competitors took their seats. Each group was tasked with a number of challenges that an accounting technician would face in the course of a ‘regular day at the office’; such as, processing sales and purchase invoices, petty cash and payroll transactions and handling errors and journals. As well as testing their computer skills, the competitors were also judged on their ability to work as a team, demonstrating their communication skills and ensuring professional conduct.  

Armed with a laptop housing the accounts, a notebook and a calculator, we watched along with lecturers and supporters as the teams set to work. Entrants included learners from Swansea, Gorseinon, Bridgend and Pembrokeshire Colleges, Coleg Gwent and Coleg Llandrillo Cymru.

The gold medal went to the team of David Sadler, Lucinda Murphy and Joshua Broom from Coleg Gwent (pictured here). Obviously delighted, the team commented on how pleased but surprised they were to win saying “the other teams seemed more confident than us and seemed to be of a very high standard. It has been a fun day and has helped to give us more confidence in our abilities”. They each took home a cheque for £50 along with winning a one day work placement at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Cardiff.

Congratulations to the winning team and well done to all competitors! With thanks to Swansea College for leading the way in developing this competition and for a memorable day in an environment that leaves a lasting impression.  

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