Case Study: Mariam’s Journey

Programme Participant: Mariam H.

From Career Break to Junior Accountant

The Challenge

After a five-year career break to raise her child, Mariam, a qualified AAT professional with five years of prior experience as a Finance Assistant, was ready to return to work. Her primary goals were clear: to secure a Finance Assistant role in an accounting firm or company. However, she identified two significant obstacles in her Individual Learning Plan (ILP): a lack of familiarity with modern, cloud-based accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage Accounting, and a need to refresh her practical experience. The landscape of finance had changed dramatically during her time away, and she felt underprepared for the new digital demands of the industry.

The Journey

Learning path and general digital, career and wellbeing bootcamp

Mariam’s journey began with a tailored approach to her professional development. Using our Individual Learning Plan (ILP), we identified her goals, skills, and support needs from the outset. Following this, she fully engaged in the 10-day face-to-face bootcamp, which focused on ensuring that participants master the basic digital, career and health and wellbeing skills sought after by modern employers as reported on LinkedIn, or required for their own continual professional development and wellbeing. These include the effective use of AI, being cybersafe, correct use of productivity tools like Microsoft Word, building portfolios, creating a LinkedIn profile, job search, CV building and full review, job interview preparation, and more. She also completed the compulsory online modules and submitted all her assignments and quizzes, demonstrating her commitment by finishing all of the material within the six-week programme timeframe.

Personalised 1 to 1, Data and Excel course and Quickbooks workshop

In one-to-one sessions, a tutor identified that Mariam would significantly benefit from strengthening her foundational finance skills, particularly in data management and analysis. The programme provided her with a specific MS Excel course designed to boost her confidence and enhance her employability in finance-related roles. She completed this too. During that time, Mariam continued to apply for jobs as shown, including her application to MEaP for our Finance, Bid writing and Sustainability volunteer role.

Recognising her exceptional commitment and her desire for hands-on experience, the programme also offered Mariam a voluntary internship opportunity in finance, bid writing, and sustainability. Mariam went through the full recruitment process for this role, including submitting a CV, writing a cover letter, and completing a formal interview. Successfully passing these steps not only gave her invaluable practice but also served as a major confidence boost. The programme provided comprehensive feedback on her interview performance, further honing her skills for future applications. As part of this, Mariam also received Quickbooks training and a Data Management for Finance and Administration with MS Excel course.

The Outcome

Mariam’s dedication was evident throughout the process; she completed all standard, online, and additional courses while balancing her household responsibilities. Shortly after gaining the voluntary internship, she applied for a paid Junior Accountant position. Drawing on the renewed skills, confidence, and application support she had gained, Mariam successfully navigated the interview process. She was offered the position, a testament to her hard work and the targeted support she received. The programme team is delighted to have been a part of her successful return to the finance profession.