Keeping his eye on the ball: a Graduate Audit Trainee on a winning streak at Rayner Essex 

We recently joined Will Spurway, to find out what motivates him, why he chose a career in accountancy and what made Rayner Essex the right fit as he builds his career in audit.

Why did you choose a career in accountancy? 

My educational background has always leaned towards finance. I studied Maths and Economics at A-Level, Business Management at undergraduate level and Finance and Investment at postgraduate level. Accountancy felt like the natural place where all of these disciplines could come together, while also giving me the opportunity to apply what I had learned to real-world business situations.

Accountancy is also a great way to understand the fundamental aspects of how businesses operate. I have had the chance to meet people working across a wide range of industries, and it has been genuinely interesting to see how different organisations function behind the scenes.

What did you do prior to joining Rayner Essex? 

Prior to joining Rayner Essex, I was navigating the dreaded post-university job hunt. Having just completed my Master’s degree at Nottingham Trent University, I was working part-time in a pub while searching for my first role. I was interested in working for an accounting firm that would allow me to start building a long-term career.

Why did you choose Rayner Essex, why is it a good fit for you? 

As a mid-tier firm, Rayner Essex offered the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of work early in my career, which was something I was particularly keen on. The firm has challenged me to develop quickly, giving me the chance to build my knowledge and skills by working on, and leading, audits for clients across many different sectors.

The people are a huge part of why Rayner Essex is such a good fit for me. Everyone is extremely friendly and supportive, and no one ever hesitates to help, whether that is with a technical question or advice around exams. The firm has created an environment where it is completely acceptable not to know the answer, and where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning as you go.

What is your role and describe an average day at work? 

My role is a Graduate Audit Trainee, which involves working as part of a team on various audit engagements for clients operating across a wide range of industries. Having progressed from trainee level to audit senior duties, I am trusted to take on greater responsibility across engagements, while continuing to adapt to the specific needs of each client. No two audits are ever the same, and the variety of work keeps the role both challenging and engaging, allowing me to apply my experience to deliver practical and effective solutions.

On a day-to-day basis, the audit process involves liaising with clients, working closely with managers and partners, managing deadlines and spending plenty of time analysing data and working through spreadsheets.

What is your greatest achievement and what motivates you? 

My proudest achievement to date is graduating with a Distinction from my MSc in Finance and Investment Banking at Nottingham Trent University. This was a culmination of a lot of hard work, and achieving the highest grade was an incredibly proud moment for me.

I am told this is slightly more impressive than my Under 8s Player of the Season award for my local football team!

What do you like best about working at Rayner Essex?

Rayner Essex promotes a hardworking and ambitious environment, but the flexible working policy means this has never come at the expense of my life and interests outside of work.

There is also a great culture across the firm, with regular social events and after-work drinks. The team is very sociable, which helps everyone feel comfortable and creates an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere in the office.

Tell us a little more about yourself and what you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Growing up, sport played a big part in my life. I played football for a local team for 14 years and also played basketball, competing in the national league before continuing at university. In my fresher year, we won the league, going almost unbeaten after losing just one game.

I still enjoy watching sports, especially football and cricket. This tactically ensures I have something to consume my life throughout both winter and summer! I also enjoy going to the gym and keeping fit, as well as spending time in the pub with my friends. Like most people, I am yet to find the perfect balance between the two.

Where to next in your career? 

At the moment I am fully focused on passing my final exams in 2026 and becoming ACA qualified. After that, I am keen to continue developing my career at Rayner Essex and progressing within the firm.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in accountancy and finance? 

My advice would be to do your research. There are many different roles within the world of finance and accountancy, and having a good understanding of what each one entails will help ensure you choose a career path that best suits your skillset.

It is also important to be prepared for the commitment required to complete professional qualifications, as this is a requirement in almost all roles. The ACA exams can be demanding and often take up evenings and weekends, but progressing through them is incredibly rewarding and well worth the effort.

Photo by Janosch Diggelmann on Unsplash