Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers have announced that two of their accountants have been shortlisted in their respective Exam Stage categories at the Northern Society Presidents’ Awards.
Fully qualified Chartered Accountant Lewis Dickinson has been nominated for the Final Stage, and part qualified Chartered Accountant Sam Bell is nominated for the Professional Stage. The awards will take place at a black-tie dinner to be held in Newcastle in October.
Lewis, 22, passed his final ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) exams in November 2017 whilst Sam is currently studying for her final ACA exams this coming November. Both are over the moon, to have been nominated for demonstrating; ‘Academic Excellence’ by finishing in the top 20 of highest overall marks in the Northern Society Order of Merit and ‘Exceptional Contribution’ to their organisation.
Sam and Lewis both began their careers through the well-established Dodd & Co apprenticeship programme. Sam studied at Nelson Thomlinson school and looked at alternative routes to University. She said, “I looked into advanced apprenticeships and contacted Dodds to see about availability, that’s when I began my career journey and I haven’t looked back”.
Lewis attended Richard Rose Morton Academy in Carlisle and was offered the opportunity to apply for one of a limited number of places on the school’s Career Academy programme. The programme, which Dodd & Co had signed up for, offered the opportunity for businesses in the local area to mentor students, helping them develop life skills as well as business skills. As part of this Lewis gained work experience in the accounts and support department of Dodd & Co, which enabled him to progress and secure a permanent position at the firm. Lewis said, “It became clear during my work experience that Dodd & Co is a friendly, fun and growing business which would, and has, offered lots of opportunities for development and career progression.”
During their time with Dodd & Co, both Sam and Lewis have gradually taken on more responsibility, becoming invaluable members of the team gaining experience in several areas of practice including family businesses and farming. Both are also part of the Dodd & Co CAT (Cloud Accounting Team) playing key roles in the training of clients in this new technology.
They were both very surprised when nominated for the prestigious awards but delighted to have been recognised and are looking forward to attending the dinner in Newcastle.
Jeanette Brown, Partner at Dodd & Co, said “We are extremely proud of Sam and Lewis, continuing to excel in their achievements, not only in their fantastic contribution to our team and our clients, but also in their wider support for their local communities through their voluntary work outside of the office. It’s not something either of them shout about, and in today’s “look at me” world, their low-key, hard-working approach is a rare and admirable characteristic and demonstrates great integrity. They both very much deserve their nominations and we wish them both the very best of luck in the final.”
The Northern Society Awards will be presented at the Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner on Friday 11 October 2019 at the Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne. The evening will be hosted by stand-up comedian and comedy writer Jo Caulfield and ICAEW President Fiona Wilkinson.
