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Grad Ireland Best SME Recruiter award
01 June 2010
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For the second year running, Kavanagh Fennell has scooped the Grad Ireland Best SME Recruiter award. Voted for by students and judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the awards recognise Ireland's most popular graduate recruiters across a range of employment sectors.
So what's it like to work for Ireland's largest specialist insolvency practice? Some of Kavanagh Fennell's newest recruits talk about their experiences and how they're settling in.
Rebecca Finnernan
Kavanagh Fennell is the largest specialist insolvency practice in Ireland with in excess of 150 assignments per annum. The firm has a great reputation, with focused workers and excellent management who provide all the necessary ingredients to provide graduates with a truly challenging and rewarding traineeship.
I joined Kavanagh Fennell in June of last year. Since then I have experienced a huge amount of hands on experience. The work comes in with great variety given its nature and huge challenges. While the work is challenging, it does not come without the necessary preparation. Like any graduate, the fear of not understanding the company’s exact business was terrifying. However, upon entry to the firm, this fear is soon well reassured with the rigorous training that Kavanagh Fennell provide. Initially the training is intensive focusing on the core areas of the company and then we have occasional training continuously throughout the year.
At the beginning, graduates are introduced to each area of the business, Liquidations, Receiverships, Examinerships or Court Liquidations by someone in the office who is adept in that area. Training is delivered from Partners to semi–seniors. This is proof of the very real open door policy within the firm. Each graduate is assigned to a team, where they focus on a number of cases and find their own place within the team and have regular duties. Each trainee is well versed on how to deal with creditors, debtors, employees, CRO (Companies Registration Office) and Revenue to name but a few. Already, you can see how varied the work is! We also get trained up in the Excel, Sage and Insolv computer systems which are used internally inside the office.
Each team has a number of cases, and these are projects within themselves. These projects are often high-profile cases with a lot of media attention. Each project offers something different, new and definitely exciting, especially when you see the media covering a case you are involved in. It gives a great insight into the management of a company and also deals heavily with the legal aspects of the company and company law. The project work can vary dramatically ranging from the winding up of an electrical store to the winding up of a hotel or music store. This broad spectrum ensures that no day is the same. These projects include activities such as:
• Working directly with legal and other professionals
• Dealing with ex-employees of the company
• Preparing Reports for external bodies such as the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
• Preparing tax returns
• Dealing directly with the Directors of the company
Kavanagh Fennell offers a great opportunity for graduates and this is certainly a contributing factor in any graduates decision to join a firm. Each graduate continues on to complete their professional exams with excellent support, study leave and encouragement from the firm. The fact that everyone else around you is also studying makes the long and winding road seem a little shorter. While the work is challenging and exams seem to be constantly looming it does not deter from the hectic social life graduates are leading also.
Every few months there is a social event organised within the firm. Since joining I can truly say that I have had some great nights out. The work force is young and vibrant which can only result in a good social calendar. The Christmas party is the high note of the calendar and something we look forward to for a few months in advance. Along with this, the summer time usually opens the doors to some form of recreational activity, this year being tag rugby.
The work here offers great diversity and opens up the doors of the business world. You are almost immediately involved in tasks such as dealing with clients, directors and employees. This will enable you to learn the system quickly and with each new job you build on what you have already learned. Personally, I feel I have developed new strengths that I hope to improve further throughout my training and acquire even more skills that will stand to me throughout my career. I am delighted I picked a smaller firm as I believe the training from a small to medium sized firm is more focused on the individual and I hope to see each area of the business rather than one. The training here is great, the variety of work allows you to excel in more than one area and the deep end approach definitely forces you to learn quickly, something I was very happy with it as it enables you to learn faster and become a contributing asset to the firm and your team. There’s great satisfaction out of knowing you are contributing to your team.
The diversity here at Kavanagh Fennell offers us graduates something new and exciting. In my opinion this is where Kavanagh Fennell differs to ordinary accounting firms. No two days are the same here.
It’s currently at the epicentre of the boom-bust era and it is an exciting place to be. Life as a trainee here challenging, character building and very rewarding.
Shane Quigley
Like most graduates I was apprehensive about making the transition from university life into the graduate working environment. To make things that little bit more daunting, I opted to commence my training contract immediately following my summer exams before the main batch of graduates.
However, any fears I had were quickly dispelled as I commenced my induction training programme. I was guided through the principles and objectives outlined in the Kavanagh Fennell Charter during one hour long training sessions with Tom, Ken and David, the three partners in the firm. The day-to-day work practices and various office systems were also set out in further one on one training sessions with each of the managers and seniors in the firm, each taking a specific topic. The structure of the training program provided an excellent opportunity to get to know each person on an individual basis.
As a junior I was offered the opportunity to embrace many of new office systems developed during the year. One such example included the day to day updating of the award-winning website InsolvencyJournal.ie which the firm launched to provide a dedicated information service on all aspects of the Insolvency and Corporate Recovery.
The firm also held regular lunchtime training sessions throughout the year. These sessions were attended by all staff on various topics and issues relating to our profession. The sessions also included presentations from leading legal law firms, insurers and financial institutions on a variety of different topics.
I have also been directly involved in a number of high-profile Liquidations such as the Belgard Motor Group, Ladybird Clothing and the Fleming Group. Receiverships which I have actively worked on included the Buy and Sell and a number of construction Receiverships where the developments are being completed and sold by the Receiver.
In the Liquidation of Belgard Motors specifically, I was offered the opportunity to join the team and become actively involved in the day to day management of the case. Having come from a background in the motor industry, I was able to apply my knowledge directly to the case. This included the trading of Wholesale Parts distributors over a four week period.
We also had plenty of time to enjoy ourselves. In July we attended the Dublin City Accountancy Social Society (DCASS) Soccer Tournament. We eventually finished as runners-up despite our best efforts and the immense support from our loyal following of fans. We have completed some recent new signings and, following a grueling pre-season training schedule each Monday night on the astro turf of Pembroke Hockey Club, I am sure 2010 will see the silverware coming to Ballsbridge! You have been warned!
The summer barbeque and sports day also proved to be a huge success with a full attendance from all. Despite being sidelined with a knee injury, my adjudication skills were called upon to help oversee proceedings with the video footage being called upon on more than one occasion!
In September the office social committee organised in a charity walk for the Dublin Simon Community from Howth to Ballsbridge, raising some much needed funds for the charity.
The Christmas party brought with it an X-Factoresque musical showcase, whereby all newcomers to the firm had to sing a party piece and be subject to critical analysis from an expert panel of judges all of whom happen to work for Kavanagh Fennell. My rendition of “My Little Honda 50” received great critical acclaim from both the judges and the audience alike. Don’t worry however – I have opted to stick with my chosen career!
Choosing to join Kavanagh Fennell has proven to be a tremendous career decision for myself personally. I had no hesitation in recommending the firm to my peers in this year’s milk round applications. The experience and skills garnered during my contract to date has been truly exceptional. An excellent training programme, well defined work practices, combined with the company’s open door policy and above all the strong close knit work environment have made my first 10 months with Kavanagh Fennell extremely enjoying and fulfilling.
Daryll McKenna
I first joined Kavanagh Fennell only weeks after finishing my masters. This was my first time to work within a professional environment so everything was completely new to me and therefore I did not know what to expect.
On the first morning I was quite nervous, though not for long, everyone in the firm was very friendly and it didn’t take long to settle in. I started with three other trainees, each of us was assigned to a senior member of staff who introduced us to all the staff and helped us find our feet. I found this very helpful as any questions I had I could ask my senior and he was happy to help out.
From the very first day I could see the firm was very dynamic and knew I would enjoy working here. During the first week our daily routine was quite informal, we had various trainings with senior staff right up to partner level, this also gave us a chance to get to know everyone better. I found the induction trainings really helpful as it gave me a general insight into the different types of insolvencies and work which the firm carries out.
These trainings were essential in preparing us for the tasks we would be carrying out on a daily basis.
One thing that really stood out was the high level of junior involvement in each assignment. Juniors are kept updated with any developments on all cases and are assigned high levels of responsibility right from day one.
A typical day involves dealing with creditors, debt collection, carrying out detailed financial investigations on insolvent companies, dealing with the ex-employees and processing their respective entitlements, preparing reports for both internal use and for submission to the ODCE and the High Court, the list goes on. By working on such a diverse portfolio of clients each day brings a new challenge and there is always an opportunity to learn something new or learn a new skill set. Being involved regularly in weekly case meetings with senior staff and management has really developed my interpersonal skills and I have developed great confidence in my work through this.
Since joining, I have gained valuable experience in all aspects of Insolvency and across the wider business circle. My work is varied, challenging and interesting and the working environment is great, I enjoy coming to work every morning, however, coming straight from college meant the early morning starts took awhile to get used too!
Kavanagh Fennell provide any additional training you require whether it be to help with everyday tasks or exam related. There are also plenty of social events within the firm. My first night out with the firm was the Christmas party, this gave all the trainees a chance to show everyone their singing voices though I’d rather forget that night! We also play soccer regularly and take part in various activities organised by the different student accounting bodies.
Kavanagh Fennell is an excellent place to grow and develop both on a personal and professional level.
Nicola Norris
I first heard of Kavanagh Fennell, when Tom Kavanagh came to speak to our class in October 2008. Tom spoke about Kavanagh Fennell, the insolvency industry, the current climate and the Prize in Company Law which they were sponsoring. I was struck by the diversity within the role, the passion which Tom spoke about his profession and the scope for progression. However I was focused on my studies and decided not to apply to any practice until after my final exams.
I was fortunate enough to come first in my class in Company Law and therein winning the Kavanagh Fennell prize in Company Law. I went to Dublin to collect my prize and shortly thereafter I undertook the screening process to join Kavanagh Fennell. The process involved three interviews, which were both friendly, welcoming and detailed. I successfully obtained a place and started with the firm shortly afterwards.
I, along with the other three graduates, undertook a two week induction training programme which was very thorough. The two weeks were broken down into segments, some with the partners, some with seniors and semi-seniors, our financial controller and our receptionist. It was a great way to get to know everyone and also gave us an opportunity to see their roles from their perspective, and made you aware how your role is so central to the team.
The firm provides training courses both internally and externally throughout the year. I find the internal training courses very informative and they really help me to brush up on a new area of expertise. The new joiners get to compete for a forty euro One For All voucher at the end of training session. It creates a bit of fun and also entices you to learn as much as possible!
I have being involved in many cases from Belgard Motors to Bunclody Electrical. A lot of my cases also come from work from Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks who appoint us as Receivers on some of their clients. It is brilliant to be at the hub of very topical issues at the moment. Kavanagh Fennell receives a lot of its work from referrals, which is extremely rewarding to see.
I have often been struck by how my degree comes into play in the role and I can see why Kavanagh Fennell tend to target my course. My role involves a perfect marriage between law and accountancy.
It is not all work in Kavanagh Fennell and they ensure we have a good work life balance from bowling nights to charity events we always have lots to look forward to.
In the last nine months I have gained an awareness of happenings around me, independence and confidence. I always know that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, there is always someone to lend a hand or advice whether it be a semi-senior, senior or partner.
I honestly love coming to work, everyone gets on so well and there is a great team atmosphere. I deal with a wide variety of work involving the High Court Examiner, the ODCE, creditors, company directors, etc which makes it all the more enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, there are some tough times with sticky creditors however with excellent training we get and the open door policy from our colleagues we are always able to cope with any situation.
Kavanagh Fennell also takes in two to three work placement students a year. Three started in January 2010 and I was pleasantly surprised about how much I had learnt when I went to lend advice to them. It was also nice, to borrow a well used phrase, “extend the traditional Kavanagh Fennell welcome” to them as everyone had done to me a few months previous.
For me, this is the perfect role. I get to use my problem solving and analytical skills, interact with a variety of people within a supportive and friendly working environment.
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