Emilia’s Story | Finding Purpose and Confidence in the Not for Profit Team

Hi, I’m Emilia and I am an ABAS executive at MHA. My journey into accountancy wasn’t planned or mapped out. It evolved slowly, shaped by curiosity, a willingness to try new things and the realisation that I genuinely enjoy understanding how organisations work.

I have worked in various accounts roles since finishing my A levels, mostly within industry. Those early roles gave me a strong foundation, but over time I realised I wanted more variety, more learning and the chance to work closely with different clients. That led me to make the move into practice. 

Joining MHA and becoming part of the Not-for-Profit team in Wales opened the door to working on engagements across London, Cardiff and Preston. It has allowed me to meet colleagues across the firm and work with clients whose missions genuinely matter. The variety is something I thrive on. 

What I Enjoy Most About My Role 

The best part of my role is the mix of people and purpose. I enjoy getting to know clients, understanding how their organisations operate and building relationships that make the work feel meaningful. 

Being part of the Not-for-Profit team has been rewarding too. Before joining MHA, I had previously worked in a charity, so it has been nice to use that experience again. It has allowed me to build on my previous charity experience and apply it across a range of organisations.  

Independent examinations and charity accounts were completely new to me, and I am proud of how much I have learned. I have also been trusted with new responsibilities and encouraged to take on work that has pushed me to develop both technically and professionally. 

Each opportunity has helped me grow in ways I would not have expected when I first joined. 

People Who Have Supported Me 

I have been very fortunate with the people around me. My manager, Alex, and Rachel, have played a huge part in my development. They have always taken the time to answer questions, explain things clearly and help me build confidence. Rachel, involving me in client meetings has been especially valuable, giving me insight into how to communicate with clients and handle conversations professionally. 

One of my biggest challenges has been confidence. I often doubted myself or felt nervous about stepping into new responsibilities. What helped me overcome this was having a manager who believed in my abilities even when I felt unsure. Being put forward for jobs that initially felt daunting helped me realise that I was capable, and positive feedback from both managers and clients has strengthened my confidence. 

Over time I’ve learned that confidence builds gradually, through experience and encouragement.