Benjamin Cossey
Norwich,UK
Summary
Motivated 3rd-year BSc Accounting and Finance student at the University of Exeter with a strong foundation in teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. Possesses financial and business expertise across accounting, taxation, economics, financial markets, management, and business law. Keen to apply analytical and statistical skills to support organisational success while pursuing opportunities for professional growth within the industry. Effective communicator with proven efficiency in task delivery and customer-focused experience in external audit, retail, and service sectors. Technically proficient in Microsoft Office and AI applications, with a proven ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and systems.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
4049
4049
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Catering Assistant & Supervisor
Lightfoot Catering
Norwich, Norfolk
2023.01 - 2024.12
- Supervised up to 5 staff at 200+ person events, delegating effectively under pressure, demonstrating teamwork and clear communication.
- Responsible for bar operations, mobile catering, and logistics for weddings and corporate events.
- Assisted in training new staff members, fostering a supportive work environment.
Packing Assistant
Godwick Hall Farm
Godwick, Norfolk
2021.12 - 2024.12
- Distributed £400k+ of food products to retailers each season.
- Collaborated closely with team members to meet tight deadlines.
- Facilitated smooth warehouse operations by assisting with stock control tasks.
Sales Assistant
Jonathan Trumbull & Hatters
Norwich, Norfolk
2024.06 - 2024.09
- Delivered customer service and managed daily sales, cash handling, banking and reconciliations ensuring accuracy.
- Supported stock control and pricing, ensuring accurate records.
GCSE Tutor
Individual
Norwich, Norfolk
2021.09 - 2023.05
- Collaborated with parents, and improved academic performance through targeted tutoring sessions tailored to the individual student.
- Provided feedback with constructive suggestions to motivate and develop techniques.
Audit Placement
Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants
Norwich, Norfolk
2022.07 - 2022.08
- Checked annual accounts and trial balances worth £10m, applying strong analytical skills to identify discrepancies.
- Used Excel to support reconciliations and financial checks.
- Gained insight through the collaboration with audit professionals to understand compliance, financial controls and the professional audit and risk management processes.
Legal Work Experience
Birketts Law Firm
Norwich, Norfolk
2022.06 - 2022.07
- Reviewed case law and shadowed solicitors, gaining exposure to professional client-facing environments.
COVID-19 Test Packing Assistant
University of East Anglia/Earlham Institute
Norwich, Norfolk
2020.06 - 2020.09
- Produced 5,000+ COVID test kits for students return to site.
- Verified inventory and stock control records.
Education
BSc - Accounting and Finance
University of Exeter
Exeter, Devon 2023.01 - 2026.07
A Levels - Economics, Mathematics, Physics
Norwich School
Norwich, Norfolk 09/2021 - 2023.05
GCSEs - Mathematics
Norwich School
Norwich 09/2018 - 2021.09
Skills
- Team Working: Effective team member with experience of leading and organising workers and students
- Decision Making: Decisive, analytical, logical with good judgement
- Problem Solving : Evidence based decision maker, and ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
- Communication: Clear and effective verbal, written, and presentation skills
- Delivery: Motivated and able to plan, executive and deliver tasks
- Customer Focus: Able to provide good customer care and communication in retail and service industries
- IT Skills: Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, word, excel, outlook, AI applications and GCSE computer science
- Financial Acumen: Experience of Audit Assistant, Banking, Financial Markets
Volunteering
Swimming Supervisor - Assisted children to develop swimming techniques, assessing risks, and taking action to ensure safety.
Certification
UK Driving Licence
Accomplishments
- Head of House, Responsible for pastoral care and events for 150 students across several academic years, strengthening leadership and communication skills.
- Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, Developed resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Norfolk Scholar Award
Timeline
Sales Assistant
Jonathan Trumbull & Hatters
2024.06 - 2024.09
Catering Assistant & Supervisor
Lightfoot Catering
2023.01 - 2024.12
BSc - Accounting and Finance
University of Exeter
2023.01 - 2026.07
Audit Placement
Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants
2022.07 - 2022.08
Legal Work Experience
Birketts Law Firm
2022.06 - 2022.07
Packing Assistant
Godwick Hall Farm
2021.12 - 2024.12
GCSE Tutor
Individual
2021.09 - 2023.05
COVID-19 Test Packing Assistant
University of East Anglia/Earlham Institute
2020.06 - 2020.09
A Levels - Economics, Mathematics, Physics
Norwich School
09/2021 - 2023.05
GCSEs - Mathematics
Norwich School
09/2018 - 2021.09