Many mothers with energetic young children might be tempted to think of furlough as an opportunity
However, Lauren Smith, who has worked in Kingsley’s head office for three years as an administration assistant and care home advisor, was determined to make the time count.
When she resumed her duties at Kingsley House her bosses were surprised and delighted to discover she had been studying for the AAT level two accountancy exams.
She passed the first four exams with flying colours, even achieving 100 per cent in one of them, and was set to take her final level two exam as Kingsley Pulse went to press.
Lauren, who lives in Lowestoft, said: “I always loved maths at school and when my teacher asked me what job I wanted to do, I said accountancy!”
She worked at Lowestoft-based holiday firm Hoseasons for eight years in various roles before joining Kingsley; her chance to study accountancy only came when she was furloughed during the pandemic.
She said: “I wanted to do something that would be useful in my work when I came back. Initially, I was able to study when Thomas, six, and Owen, eight, were at school. Now I am back at work I have a strict timetable and fit study in after their bedtime.”
Lauren said she loved studying accountancy and her aim was to progress as far as she could, beginning with the AAT level three exams in September.
Group financial controller Nicola Mantripp said: “We are all really proud of Lauren. It’s inspiring to see people striving to achieve more and improve their career prospects. We will support and encourage her to carry on.”
Author: Stephen Pullinger
