What is your background?

I studied Sport and Leisure Management at Sheffield Hallam University, where I graduated with a first class honours degree in 2009. After graduating, I worked in retail managing a variety of different flagship stores in Sheffield and Leicester (from sports fashion/equipment to orthopaedic footwear), with turnovers ranging between £500k-£1.5m.

After 10 years, I decided it was time for a career change in order to challenge myself. I always enjoyed the financial management side of my retail roles and had enjoyed the Financial and Management Accounting courses which formed part of my degree. I enrolled on my AAT course whilst living in Leicester and passed the first year.

Why did you choose to work for Grant Thornton?

In 2019, I moved to Jersey and contacted a variety of recruitment agencies to aid my job search. Whilst discussing options with one of the recruiters, Grant Thornton came up in conversation.

After researching about the company and discussing with friends who worked in the Jersey and UK Finance industry, I could see they were a company that value people and encourage you to grow and develop. The opportunity of undertaking my ACCA professional qualification through the company was ideal for me especially as I did not have a background in finance.

What is your role and what do you like about your position?

I am a Tax Senior Associate, specialising in Jersey tax compliance. I really enjoy the fact that I have a vast array of duties and responsibilities – from preparing tax returns, to reviewing company accounts and ensuring the correct level of tax is paid by our clients.

Why do you like working at Grant Thornton?

There was an element of fear and anxiety when I decided to change career and move to a new country, however due to the help and support of Grant Thornton it has easily been one of the best decisions I have made.

I am proud to tell people where I work and what I do, something that I felt unable to do during my time in retail.

The work-life balance is also the best that I have experienced, with some fantastic social events put on by the company