Meet Clare: From Apprentice to Finance Manager at Wates
Clare Bonthrone joined Wates five years ago as a Level 7 Accountancy and Taxation Apprentice and has since grown her career at Wates, becoming a Finance Manager, and leading a team of 3.
From completing her CIMA exams and qualifying as an accountant to taking on major projects like the Group Functional Optimisation initiative, Clare’s journey exemplifies the steady progression in Wates’ structured apprenticeship programme.
Wates’ three-year apprenticeship programme provided Clare with clear milestones. The first two years involved hands-on placements, technical training, and a progression gateway where knowledge, skills, and behaviours were assessed. The programme’s support for CIMA qualification, combined with flexibility in exploring different areas of finance, helped Clare identify her strengths and align her career path with her interests.
Clare’s career has accelerated thanks to Wates’ three-year apprenticeship programme
Clare credits her success to Wates’ supportive environment, including access to mentors, the buddy scheme, and regular check-ins with senior leaders, emphasising the positive and collaborative workplace culture. Additionally, onboarding activities like engagement sessions and networking opportunities with fellow apprentices created a welcoming start to her career.
Her most notable project, the Functional Optimisation initiative, involved transforming central functions to support the business’s growth. Clare played a key role in this large-scale project, which went live at the start of the year. The project required collaboration across functions, business units, and senior leadership, which showcased her growth since starting as an entry-level trainee.
For those considering a Wates apprenticeship, Clare’s advice is simple: “Definitely apply”. She highlights the importance of being yourself and focusing on learning and growth.
Joining Wates as a Level 7 Accountancy and Taxation Apprentice gave me the opportunity to learn technical skills and earn my CIMA qualification while contributing to impactful projects like the Functional Optimisation initiative.
“Wates’ supportive culture, from mentors to hands-on placements, helped me build confidence, discover my strengths, and progress to Finance Manager.
“Apprenticeships bridge education and employment, creating opportunities for meaningful careers – I encourage anyone considering this path to apply.”
Clare Bonthrone
Finance Manager, Wates
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