What Current Trainees Say About Us

Katherine

Katherine completed a degree in Business Administration at the University of the West of England whilst working as a retail manager before joining the MOD. She is currently on placement in the Typhoon IPT.

"Leave all stereotypical views of the "boring" accountant at the front door, this definitely does not apply.
The TAD Scheme is fast paced, yet rewarding. No two days are the same, especially working in finance on the largest approved programme in the MOD, the Typhoon Integrated Project Team.
In any IPT, you'll experience exposure to a wide range of different aspects, one day you could be looking at a business case for missiles, the next preparing your monthly submissions.
Ultimately the scheme opens up many doors, allowing you to go anywhere in the world to play a key role in ensuring that our forces are fit for today and capable for the future.
How many accountants you know can claim that they have sat in the cock-pit of a multi-million pound combat aircraft?!"

Zubair

Zubair completed an MSci Hons degree in Physics & Space Research at the University of Birmingham in 2006. He then took a gap year before joining the Trainee Accountant Development Scheme in September 2007.

"This scheme provides you with exposure to many business areas within DE&S as well as the opportunity to work towards a professional qualification. My first year has been spent in the Command Support Intelligence Solutions IPT, which focuses on developing battle space and intelligence solutions for the armed forces. If you are committed and enjoy a variety of challenging and interesting work, then this scheme is for you."

Chris

After completing a BSc Hons degree in Physics at the University of Bristol Chris Ellis spent a year out split between travelling and working in a Financial Services role at Hargreaves Lansdown Plc before deciding to join the DE&S Trainee Accountant Development Scheme in September 2007:

"If you are ambitious and have aspirations to work for one of the country's biggest organisations then joining the DE&S TADS scheme could be for you. The 2 year scheme requires balancing an intense timetable of training and day-to-day finance procedures as well as studying towards obtaining a professional accountancy qualification (CIMA). The Scheme requires dedication and can be a steep learning curve at times but it is also very rewarding. With a structured development plan in place, promotion can be expected at the end of the scheme. During my first placement I have been working within the BATCIS IPT, whose mission it is to deliver and sustain ever improving tactical communications and information systems. This experience has given me some excellent practical experience which has also been very interesting due to the nature and complexities of Defence acquisition."

Katy

After completing an LLB Hons Degree in Law in 2007, Katy applied for the DE&S Trainee Accountant Development Scheme and began working at the MOD site in Bristol in September that year.

"The TADS scheme offers great opportunities for progressing in your career at an accelerated pace. Everyone on the scheme is from a different background with a wide variety of degrees; many of them not related to finance at all. From the beginning you will be placed in an Integrated Project Team in the finance section to gain experience in the working environment whilst studying for the professional qualification CIMA. The qualification is challenging and at first a little daunting if you haven't studied the area before; you need to be committed and able to manage work and studying. CIMA is however an excellent qualification to have and you will get plenty of support throughout your time on the Scheme."        

Natalie

Natalie completed a Mathematics degree at the University of Leicester in 2003 and then spent over 3 years working in the NHS before deciding to go back to her mathematical roots to become an Accountant.  She joined the TADs scheme in September 2007.

"Since joining the Scheme I have been on a placement with Frigates Integrated Project Team - the purpose of the team is to upgrade and update all frigates and to deliver them ready for action.  In the team I have been given many responsibilities including budget management and audit duties.  I really am seen as the future of finance in the MOD and so am given a wide exposure to not just the financial systems within DE&S but also to the business and commercial side of the work the team do.  It is a challenge to juggle both your accountancy studies and your placement work but if you are looking for a challenge and are prepared to work hard then this is the scheme for you."