My Year in Industry at Langtons: Q&A with Dan Anderson, BSc Economics Undergraduate

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to Langtons. 

I’m currently studying BSc Economics at the University of Liverpool, and over the past 12 months I’ve been doing a year in industry at Langtons Chartered Accountants. As part of my degree, I wanted some hands-on experience in the working world – and I’d really enjoyed the accounting modules in my first year, so I knew that’s the route I wanted to explore further. 

When I started applying for placements, I was particularly interested in getting broad experience across different areas of accountancy. I wasn’t exactly sure which area I wanted to specialise in yet, so Langtons stood out to me because they offer a full range of services — audit, tax, corporate finance, and accounts preparation. It’s the kind of environment where you can really try out different things and learn what suits you.

Q: What kind of work have you been involved in over the past year? 

I’ve mainly worked in the audit and accounts departments, with some involvement in corporate tax – things like preparing and submitting corporation tax returns. Early on, I was doing P&L work and sales testing, and I quickly learned how to navigate different accounting software like Sage 50, Sage 200, Xero, and QuickBooks. Every client uses different systems, so I had to get comfortable tracking transactions through each one, finding invoices, and understanding how their financial records were structured. 

I’ve also done purchase testing, balance sheet work, and learned how to handle fixed assets properly – including how to depreciate them and what qualifies as capital expenditure. At university, I learned the basics of double entry but actually applying that knowledge in real-world scenarios has really helped everything click into place. 

Before this year, I probably could’ve explained what an audit was, but now I actually know what it means to be an auditor – and more broadly, what being an accountant involves. I can now confidently look at a set of accounts and explain what’s going on. That’s a huge step forward for me. 

Q: What’s been the most interesting part of the experience? 

Definitely seeing how different types of businesses operate financially. I worked with clients in sectors like manufacturing and recruitment, which are very different. In recruitment, for example, the main costs are wages and there’s a lot of commission involved. In manufacturing, you’re dealing with raw materials, production costs, and inventory, so the financial processes are more complex. 

Another big one for me was understanding VAT. I didn’t know much about how it worked before, but now I can identify when something should be zero-rated, or when it should have 20% VAT applied. It’s been great getting that level of detail from real-life work.

Q: Has the experience changed your career plans? 

It’s confirmed them! This year has made it clear to me that this is the career path I want to follow. I was offered a graduate role at Langtons in April, and I’ll be coming back after I finish university. I’m really looking forward to continuing with accounts preparation and audit – hopefully with the same team I’ve worked with this year.

Q: What’s the culture like at Langtons? 

It’s a really sociable and welcoming place to work. The office is right in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district, which makes it super convenient – I can walk to work from home, which is a bonus. 

There’s also a really strong social side to the company. We have a social committee that organises regular events, from summer BBQs to themed nights out. I’ve also had the chance to attend networking events through Langtons, including ones run by Merseyside Young Professionals (MYP). I’ve met loads of other young professionals from across Liverpool through those events which has been great for building up my network. 

Plus, I’ve been involved with LCASA (Liverpool Chartered Accountants Students’ Association), which hosts some amazing events like the annual student accountants’ ball and rooftop BBQs. It’s a really fun and engaging community to be part of.

Q: How have you found living and working in Liverpool? 

I love it. Liverpool has so much to offer – it’s lively but not overwhelming, and the people are friendly. The docks are one of my favourite parts of the city, and the architecture is amazing. It’s also an affordable place to live, with great transport links and loads of opportunities for young professionals like myself.

Q: Any final thoughts about your time at Langtons? 

Honestly, it’s been such a valuable experience. I’ve grown so much professionally, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of the team. Langtons is the kind of firm that gives you proper responsibility, supports your development, and creates a great environment to work in. I’d recommend it to anyone considering a career in accountancy.

Interested in Starting Your Career with Langtons? 

At Langtons Chartered Accountants, we provide a full range of accountancy services — including audit, tax, accounts preparation, and corporate finance — to a wide variety of clients across different sectors. We’re proud to offer a supportive, sociable, and dynamic environment where early careers can truly thrive. 

If you’re a student or recent graduate looking to kickstart your career in accountancy, we’d love to hear from you. 

To learn more about our placement and graduate opportunities, get in touch: www.langtons.uk.com/contact/