While at school I did some work experience in a local accountancy practice – my Sunday league football manager was a partner. Once I finished the work experience, I knew I wanted a career in accountancy.
I saw an advertisement for a trainee accountant and started with a local practice in Great Barr, near Birmingham, where I grew up. During my apprenticeship, I completed my AAT qualification and then studied towards ACCA at Kaplan to qualify at the age of 25.
I have a strong work ethic and was ambitious to be partner
I joined a larger practice where I became an accounts manager, with a significant portfolio of clients. But I have a strong work ethic and was ambitious to be partner, which was less likely in the larger organisation. So I moved to Jerroms as a client director. Following a merger it became Jerroms GCN, and I achieved my ambition to be a partner.
The current economic challenges include inflation, interest rates and supply of goods. They don’t only affect us and our clients but the wider community too. It is imperative to put measures in place to plan for the future, including digitisation. We have recently partnered with a local college, and plan to introduce a number of apprentices to our team. This generation will uncover skills that will no doubt play a significant part within the digital transformation of our profession in years to come.
Outside of work, I have two amazing sons and a partner, who I love spending time with. I play football for a local team on a Saturday and for a pool/snooker team in the week. I have recently introduced my boys to the world of golf; in time, I am hopeful we can all enjoy playing together.
