TWO employees at a chartered accountancy firm are proof that you can build a successful career in the profession, with or without a degree.

Ashleigh Smith, 27, from Stockton and Hilary Bevan, 38, from Darlington, have excelled in their work but each chose a different career path to achieve their specialist status.

Ms Smith joined Baines Jewitt in 2013, having gained a first class degree in Accountancy through the University of Northumbria. Earlier this year she obtained chartered status from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

She was awarded the prestigious ‘Charles Urie Peat Prize’ in 2016 and again in 2017. The award recognises success in the qualifying exams.

VAT Director Ms Bevan took a more vocational route into the profession having joined the firm in 1998 as a school leaver.

Having excelled at her professional training, she is one of the few people in the UK who hold professional qualifications as an Accountant and a VAT Specialist.

Her role involves supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors with everything from VAT registrations and tax queries.