T Level Accounting Students Inspired at Xero Taster Day

Real learning happens when education meets industry. A visit to the Xero Liverpool Street office gave our T Level Accounting students a first-hand look at careers in modern accounting software, workplace culture, and professional development.

On 10 February, our Industry Leader and Placement Coordinator, Ruhina Mehdi, and Accounting Lecturer, Sharona Harrigan, accompanied T Level Accounting students Xero’s London location for an engaging and informative Taster Day.

Lindsey Birtwhistle, Senior Integrated Programme Manager at Xero, and the wider team for warmly welcomed staff and students. The well-planned day and provided students with the opportunity to meet managers and colleagues from across the business. Students learned about varying career pathways and the skills and experiences that support progression within the industry.

Taking in the impressive office space and panoramic views, students noticed Xero’s supportive work culture. They observed collaboration between teams in a fast-paced and innovative environment, and an understanding of how accounting software supports businesses worldwide.

Learning about Xero’s growth as a global software provider helped students connect their classroom studies to real-world practice. Seeing how digital tools transform financial management reinforced the relevance of their T Level qualification. A highlight of the visit was the guidance students received towards achieving Xero Level 1 certification, a valuable credential that strengthens both technical capability and employability.

It is essential that the T-Level course yields to students learning the latest trends and requirements relevant to real-time industry practices, including preparation for HMRC’s upcoming ‘Making Tax Digital’ changes, which come into effect from this April 2026. Xero’s software is known for being aligned for this purpose, and is regurarly promoting this feature of their programme.

Experiences such as this demonstrate the importance of employer engagement within T Level programmes. By stepping into professional environments, students build confidence, broaden their ambitions, and develop a stronger sense of direction for their future careers. Visiting Xero’s offices was a memorable and motivating experience for our T Level Accounting students.

A special thanks to: Lindsey Birtwhistle – Senior Integrated Programme Manager. Neil Sheehan – Head of Education, Global Digital Delivery. Stuart Miller – Director, Public Policy & Technology Research. Laura Burley – Director, Government Relations (UK & EMEA). Caitlin Browner – Partner Consultant.