Adam Laidlaw

For me, going on to university felt like going back to school, and I wanted to work or go into a trade. I had done a Higher in Accounting and really enjoyed the practical aspects of that. So, I applied for a few different positions, but the apprenticeship at Baillie Gifford really stood out as an opportunity to further myself. From day one, I’ve been treated like a proper member of the team and not talked down to. There’s lots of support and the chance to learn from people who’ve done a similar role before.

As part of the apprenticeship, I’m working towards AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualifications. It’s great to know that these qualifications mean I’ll be at the same level as accountancy graduates leaving university. I have a study day on Wednesdays when I complete all my online learning. Each section starts by introducing you to a topic then, if you need more detail, I can refer to the textbooks Baillie Gifford has provided. I can also call an external trainer if I need anything.

I try to go into the office every Tuesday and Thursday. Before starting I’d never been in that kind of environment before, but I love Baillie Gifford’s offices. I’m on one of the top floors and you can see right across Edinburgh. I work in the Finance department within Financial Reporting. This involves reviewing the expenses claims that come through, making sure the payment run is all fine and running transaction reports. I get to deal with lots of people across all the departments and at all levels in the firm.