As I approach my 20-year milestone with Kilsby Williams in 2027, it’s rewarding to reflect on my career journey in tax including the valuable support and opportunities I have received to successfully progress to partner.
It is testament to the firm that I have been with them for 19 years. While a lot has certainly changed in that time, the culture of ensuring great client service and staff development has remained consistent throughout.
My starting point
I began my career at Kilsby Williams in October 2007 as a tax trainee, responsible for helping managers with tax returns and general compliance. I had some prior accounts and audit experience before joining the firm, but no tax experience.
Thanks to the firm’s outstanding exam and training support, mentoring, career development advice and technical support at every stage of my career, I have been able to achieve promotions from trainee to manager, senior manager, director and partner over the years.
My professional development
I gained both my qualifications in accounting (FCCA) and tax advisory (CTA) whilst working. The firm supported me by paying for training and exam fees, and allowing time off to study. While this seems like a distant memory to me now, we still provide the same level of support to our trainees today so that they can succeed in achieving their professional qualifications.
Staff development is extremely important and will always be a key focus for the firm. Due to the diverse range of clients we support, there’s always interesting and challenging work available and this is essential for development. My motto for continuing to improve has always been to go outside of my comfort zone. There is plenty of opportunity to do that at Kilsby Williams and no glass ceiling to progression.
My next steps
As a partner I am now responsible for the management of the firm and the tax department along with my fellow partners.
I am still involved in technical tax work, including venture capital schemes like SEIS and EIS, share option schemes like EMI, and personal and corporate tax work. However, my role has also evolved to include more management and marketing, with a particular focus on ensuring that we provide an excellent service and advice to existing clients and helping to introduce new clients and staff to grow the firm.
I am excited to continue my career journey with Kilsby Williams, expanding my knowledge, forging new relationships with clients and connectors, growing the firm and helping our staff to develop their careers with the same opportunities and support I benefitted from.
