How it was in the 1960s

摘要

As the institute's 125th anniversary year draws to a close, we reprint an ICAEW award winning essay from the 1960s on one young man's experiences under articles in 1963-64. I left school with 'A' levels but no immediate prospects. After reading the General Information Pamphlet issued by the ICAEW, I felt that accountancy was an opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge of mathematics and economics. After some unsatisfactory interviews arranged on my own accord, the institute came to my rescue by supplying me with a list of prospective employers; more interviews followed and I eventually reduced the list to two firms of equally high reputation. One final interview and I chose and was accepted by a City firm. On joining my firm, Prince, Simon & Co, I found that every new clerk had to spend a probationary period of training in the general office; after three months, I emerged with a grounding of elementary bookkeeping and general commercial knowledge; I was also able to find my way around the streets and alleys of the City as a result of afternoons spent in delivering mail by hand to various stockbrokers and banks.