Two weeks of work experience during term 3 school holidays in 2021 has led to a career in accounting for Jess Johnstone.
Jess is now employed as a junior accountant with Moore Markhams Whanganui but it’s not the only passion in her life that drives her. Jess is a committed road cycle racer and finds many hours every week to train and race, her goal is to “wear the fern” one day.
Add to this a part-time Saturday morning job at the local PGG Wrightson store, plus extramural accounting study through UCol, makes Jess one busy young woman.
“It’s challenging to make the time and keep up the energy but I’m thoroughly enjoying my work and love my cycling,” Jess says. She acknowledges that Moore Markhams has been flexible with her work hours so she can meet her cycling demands.
Jess is one of a line of school leavers’ that have been given a start to their working life over the years with the Whanganui accountancy firm. Many have gone on to complete accountancy degrees and gain their CA qualification.
“It’s a good opportunity for a young person to determine whether this profession is for them,” says Nicola Gibbons, staff director at the firm. “And we enjoy the energy and vitality of these young people.”
For Jess, the opportunity to study while working has meant that the money she’d saved for university could be redirected. Combining with her brother, who entered an apprenticeship last year, Jess has bought a section and a house build gets underway later this year.