As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
The dream was to become a pilot.
Where had that got to during your later studies (or not, as the case may be)?
Being red/green colourblind, my commercial pilot career was a non-starter; however, I was able to get my private pilot’s licence so I did get some of the way.
When did you move into accountancy; why, and how?
After various roles in retail and sales during university, I started my training contract at 21 with BDO. It was my dad’s suggestion and the best bit of advice he gave me when he told me that once qualified you would always be able to earn a living. I gave the same advice to my son who is now in the middle of his training contract.
How important is accounting in your role – and how has being an accountant helped you develop in your career and as a person?
The training that you receive as an accountant is one of the broadest available. You develop technical and interpersonal skills in equal measures and what makes a successful business. What other profession allows you to add such value to both people and their businesses? With almost 30 years of experience, I don’t think that there is anything that could surprise me, and I know how to help clients with any issues or at least know where to look.
Catch the full article in the XU Magazine here
