Perspectives on CA training
Are you an aspiring Chartered Accountant wondering where to launch your career after graduation? In this interview with 2nd-year ICAS trainee Robert Morgan, we discover how his first year of CA training with Consilium Chartered Accountants has gone.
Robert, you started with Consilium as a Graduate trainee in August 2024. How has your first year of CA training been?
It goes by quickly! There’s a great mix of working with clients and working towards your qualification, which provides a good balance to your first year at Consilium.
What has been the highlight so far?
Nothing beats exam results. The Charity Bake-Off was good fun as well. I’m coming back with a vengeance next year to win! (Editor: Robert was narrowly beaten to the 2025 Great Consilium Charity Bake-Off crown!)
What has been your big learning takeaway from the year?
To get stuck in. Don’t shy away from talking to clients or asking colleagues for a hand. It’s the best way to immerse yourself in the role and learn.
Consilium specialises in owner-managed businesses. How does that influence the clients and projects you work on as a Graduate trainee?
We work with a wide range of clients, which is great for developing your understanding of different businesses. When you are on-site at a client, you have a great opportunity to talk to business owners and learn about their careers. You always leave a client having learned something new!
How does your CA training experience with Consilium compare to fellow ICAS students you are studying with?
At Consilium, we sit our Knowledge-level ICAS exams, which is not the typical approach. However, from my experience, it has been a great way of cementing foundational knowledge and has really helped me with the Skills-level exams.
Looking into the future, where do you see yourself in three years?
It’s exciting to look ahead to the next few years. I have already learned so much working at Consilium and will continue to work towards my qualification with the goal of becoming a CA.
Any advice for graduates considering completing their CA training with Consilium?
It is such a great team to work for. I strongly recommend applying! The 2026 Graduates will also have a nice, shiny new office to look forward to as well! (Editor: Robert!?! You weren’t supposed to tell people about that! In 2026, we will be taking over even more of 169 West George Street as our team continues to expand as part of the Dains Group.)
Learn more about Consilium’s graduate training programme and how to become a CA.
Find out what a day in the life of a CA Graduate trainee is like at Consilium Chartered Accountants.
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