Accountants in practice are successfully shaking off the ‘bean-counter’ moniker as we adopt a holistic approach to support clients. We also ensure that clients are meeting all of their legal obligations and financial responsibilities to give them peace of mind, allowing them to be confident that the strategic decisions they are making are the right ones, from a legal, tax and lifestyle perspective.
The single most pressing issue for practitioners today is rapidly changing technology and its implications. If we don’t embrace new technology, including artificial intelligence, then we’re going to struggle to keep up with what future generations demand in terms of instant connectivity and frictionless communication with their advisers.
I can’t remember a time when I wanted to do anything else
We encourage team members to volunteer. Last year we developed The Duncan & Toplis Foundation, of which I am a trustee, to support local charities that focus on the arts, mental health and opportunities for young people.
We are already on our own journey towards assessing, and reducing, our carbon footprint. Later this year we will be holding a series of virtual events for clients so that we can share our experiences with them and pass on our learnings in this business-critical area.
I completed my professional qualifications just as the 2007 recession kicked in
Unusually, I always wanted to be an accountant and can’t remember a time when I wanted to do anything else. I started working at a small accountancy practice after completing my A-levels. I happily worked my way through the various stages of my career, supporting small family businesses preparing their accounts, VAT returns and all of the other aspects of accountancy work that you encounter in a small practice, and was content with the work that I was doing.
In 2002 I had my daughter and realised I had a desire to progress my career. I was already a manager with a lot of responsibilities and a one-year-old child in tow, but studying with ACCA gave me the flexibility to achieve the qualification as well as manage my time across my other responsibilities.
If I am not at my desk, you are likely to find me outdoors in either running shoes or walking boots
I completed my professional qualifications just as the 2007 recession kicked in and companies braced for the potential fallout. Duncan & Toplis, which is one of the largest independent accounting and business advisers in the East Midlands, provided me with management training through the firm’s Academy for Future Leaders, which led to me ultimately being promoted to associate director.
In April 2020 I took on the lead role in our Louth office. Despite the challenges as we entered lockdown, the transition has been seamless, as I was surrounded by a great team that embraced the new technology that we introduced and were fully supportive of my new leadership role.
During 2020, I started on a health-and-fitness journey with a coach incorporating, nutrition, strength training and running. I have competed in three races so far, already achieving a second place, and have ambitions to eventually compete at national level for my age. I also volunteer every weekend at my local Parkrun and love being a part of the running community. In addition, I recently went solo mountain walking in the Lake District. Basically, if I am not at my desk, you are likely to find me outdoors in either running shoes or walking boots!
