Azets is the largest regional accounting and business adviser to SMEs across the UK. Our size (we have nearly 4,000 experts across 70 offices) provides both opportunity and challenge. While we have size and economies of scale, any change to the business has an impact on all staff, so change management is especially important. It has also allowed me to go from a local office to a regional role, and now I have national responsibilities way outside of what would be perceived as the traditional career path.
I chose to work in practice instead of taking a corporate role because of the variety. I get bored very quickly with repetitive work and saw practice as a route in where I could develop my skills in an environment that was ever changing. If I did ever want to move into the more corporate world, I would have the skills to do so. It’s much more difficult to go from corporate to practice, so in a way I think I hedged my bets!
The scale of impact of MTD is not being appreciated by accountants or HMRC
The single most pressing issue for accountants today is three letters: MTD. Making Tax Digital is a generational change to the profession that I don’t think we will see again in our careers. The scale of the impact is not being appreciated by accountants or HMRC, as it’s not just about a change in regulation but a whole change in ways of working.
We undertook an ambitious, large-scale transformation programme during the pandemic. It was challenging but it did provide a catalyst for digital adoption. For example, our accounts compliance service line is now gearing up for MTD and we are focusing on transforming the way the team works and interacts with clients.
There are always areas that are low effort but of great benefit to the business and clients
In terms of future skills, it’s vital to be comfortable working with technology. It is a huge enabler for the profession. Low-value, manual process work is being automated and we are seeing a shift to advisory work. It’s no longer about just getting the numbers right; it's more about how the numbers are used and being able to articulate this to clients to help them grow their business.
My advice to other accountants would be to start with the easy wins. There are always areas that are low effort but of great benefit to the business and clients. These easy wins build momentum and get overall buy-in, which is needed when looking at larger scale transformation, allowing you time to focus on the bigger ticket items that require more effort and planning. As long as you are moving forward, you aren’t standing still!
My hobbies for the foreseeable are my nine-month-old daughter. She helps me switch off from work and, together with my wife, we all love going out and eating at different places as well as travelling when we can. Pre-Covid, I was also a multiple Men’s Physique champion and competed in many British finals.
