A Cambridge maths graduate, Joe joined Shipleys in 2000 and qualified in 2003, picking up an ICAEW Prize along the way. During his career with Shipleys Joe spent five months on secondment in Melbourne in 2004.

Why I became an accountant

It all started during my summer breaks from university. I had a holiday job with a small local firm of accountants, assisting them with preparing accounts and tax returns. It was during this time that I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in accountancy, and looked more closely at the size and type of firm I wanted to join.

Choosing the right firm

I wanted to work somewhere large enough to offer variety, opportunities, and excellent training and development provisions, yet small enough to feel actively involved from an early stage of my career, which then led me to choose a medium sized firm.

My experience since has definitely backed up this decision. I have worked with a very wide variety of clients, ranging from a Formula 1 race team to City stockbrokers and fund managers. I also spent five months on secondment to another firm in Melbourne, gaining international experience, but most importantly, enjoying the Australian lifestyle!

Getting promoted

In addition, the firm have shown the great opportunities which exist for career advancement. My role over the years has changed enormously: audit junior, audit senior, manager, and now partner. This all adds to the variety even when working on the same client.

Yes, accountancy is hard work. Yes, you’ll need to be committed to get through the study. But it’s an excellent career, the rewards are good, and I’ve even had some fun and made some great friends along the way!