A trainee accountant is thriving in his new profession despite taking an 'unconventional' route into the industry.

Matthew Law, 24, has launched a career with Cumbrian firm Saint & Co while working towards his Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 qualification.

Mr Law left Ullswater Community College midway through his A Levels to work at a building society before moving into the motoring trade.

He only considered moving industries when he saw an advert for a trainee accountant.

Mr Law said: "I felt like I needed to change careers but never really thought about accountancy, and I can genuinely say that it is the best decision I have ever made."

"There is an assumption that people who work in accountancy need to have a university degree, but Saint & Co promotes a wide variety of routes into the profession and I couldn’t be more of an example than that."

"I didn’t go to university and I don’t even have any A Levels so I have entered the industry in an unconventional way, but the team at Saint & Co offers such a supportive and friendly working environment that I’ve really settled into accountancy and I’m already planning ahead for a long career with the company.

"I’m absolutely loving my time here.

"Accountancy is challenging but I always like a challenge, and it is keeping me busy."

Mr Law is based at Saint & Co’s office in Penrith and is already an important member of the team, according to practice partner Andrew Liddle.

Penrith practice partner Andrew Liddle (left) has welcomed trainee accountant Matthew Law to Saint & CoPenrith practice partner Andrew Liddle (left) has welcomed trainee accountant Matthew Law to Saint & Co (Image: Supplied)

Mr Liddle said: "The team at Penrith complements the excellent service carried out by our staff at the multiple other offices across Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway, and we are delighted that Matthew has joined our growing team."

"From the moment of applying, Matthew has shown exceptional aptitude to a new industry and a great willingness to learn, and he has fit into the team so well."

"We are excited to help develop Matthew through his accountancy journey, and we know that big things are to come as he adopts such a positive approach to his work."

Saint & Co operates across 10 offices in Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway, employing 10 partners and 120 team members.

In addition to Penrith, it also has bases in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Whitehaven, Millom, Ambleside, Wigton, Annan, Dumfries and Castle Douglas.