Umar Hussain, Accounts Assistant at Independent Freight Solutions, has thrown himself into the world of professional accounting after years studying the subject – and is relishing the challenge of working in a fast-paced role.
After completing a Masters in Accounting and Finance at Birmingham City University, the 25-year-old joined the IFS finance team in December 2023, and has been putting his learning into practice while getting to grips with a global industry.
With Umar on board, it means 40 per cent of IFS staff members are either current or former apprentices who have progressed at the business.
He said: “It’s going really well. I’m learning a lot and it’s been eye opening not just in terms of how business finance works, but the variety of what goes on in the freight and logistics industry. Every day has been different.
“After finishing my Masters last year, I had been looking for accounts-based roles before finding this one online and I haven’t looked back.
“There’s been a lot to learn, but it’s been interesting to find out how the processes work internally and how the industry operates – and it’s been great getting to know the client base and backing up the existing knowledge in the business.
“I studied business as part of my degree, so it’s been enjoyable to put some of that into practice but there’s so much beyond what you learn in class which requires different skills. You always have to be flexible and open to new approaches.
“I’m trying to be a sponge to learn as much as I can as I know there is so much that will be valuable to me in my career – from how to approach internal financing and credit control to managing different client needs and situations.
“I’m in the office five days a week, which is a huge benefit for someone in my position as I can work closely with my line manager Michelle and ask questions to the rest of the team whenever I need to.
“It also means I have got used to the office culture quite quickly. I prefer working in the office anyway, but it helps especially when there is so much to learn, particularly when constant communication is required with the team.
“In general, it feels like a unique place to work as IFS is a small business with quite a large portfolio and a huge reach, but still with plenty of room to grow. It’s exciting to be part of it from that perspective and encouraging to see the possibilities for SMEs based in the Midlands.
“I’ve always lived in Birmingham, so it’s been good to have a change of scenery and work in a new community, and beyond that it’s a brilliant team environment to be working in.
“It’s nice to have had the chance to build some personal connections so early in my career, and the 20-year celebrations were a brilliant way to bring everyone together, to show how far the business has come and what it’s all about.
“Overall, it’s been really insightful to see another side of accounting, seeing how people deal with different situations, how someone else would approach a problem and how it works in the real world.
“I’m still working towards my final AAT level, but once completed I hope I can continue to build on my experiences at IFS so far as there is always something to learn. Being able to adapt in a fast-paced environment helps me use my initiative more to provide quick solutions for different problems, while constantly expanding what I know.
“Right now I feel like I am in a very positive place for my development.”
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