Experienced Corporate Tax Manager finds supportive home at Rayner Essex

Why did you choose a career in Accountancy & Tax?

Growing up I was always interested in money, how it worked, saving it and watching the accumulation factors kick in! But don’t worry I also loved playing on my Nintendo 64 and all the other usual enjoyments of kids.

Following my interests, I examined a number of paths and settled on heading to university where I completed my degree in Accounting and Corporate Finance. I started my first job in the finance team of a large insurance company.

What did you do prior to joining Rayner Essex?

Prior to joining Rayner Essex I worked as a corporate manager for a small firm based in Suffolk, prior to which I was at BDO and also worked at several other smaller firms.

I started my ACCA journey while working for Saffron Building Society before moving to an audit and accounting firm in Chorleywood. There I completed my ACCA exams and was exposed to a wide range of audit and accounts experience. I then made my way back to Suffolk, where I worked in a local firm for 8 years in personal tax and accounts. My dive into purely corporate tax came with my move to BDO.

Why did you choose Rayner Essex? – Why is it a good fit for you?

Ultimately, I chose Rayner Essex for the culture and environment. Having worked in several different roles across a number of firms, the one key aspect that I felt had been lacking and overlooked, was a healthy happy environment. One where everyone works hard but also supports and invests in each other, making it a friendly environment, cultivating growth for both the firm and employees.

In addition, Rayner Essex has an agile, hybrid working policy which really does suit my lifestyle. Being a father to two young boys, this gives me the flexibility to be there for them when I’m needed.

What is your current role and describe an average day at work?

I am a Corporate Tax Manager at Rayner Essex. My day often varies, but typically includes compliance based reviews of corporation tax returns prepared by the Accounting Solutions or Audit teams, supporting colleagues and answering corporate tax queries on various matters as well as supporting clients with advisory work such as R&D claims or Capital allowances.

What is your greatest achievement and what motivates you?

Professionally my greatest achievement has been building my knowledge of a vast array of tax and accounting areas so that I have the knowledge and experience to assist my clients to the best of my ability. I believe Corporate Tax is the perfect field for me and I’m driven to further enhance and expand corporate tax services to both staff and clients at Rayner Essex.

What do you like best about working at Rayner Essex?

As mentioned, the friendly environment has been incredible and the Partners, Directors and all staff have been very supportive. The varied workload and client base are also a great plus, and means that no two days are the same. I can work on a range of compliance and advisory based projects one day, then be leading an internal training session for the team on the next day.

Tell us a little more about you and perhaps something about you that people may not already know ?

I am a father to two young boys, who keep myself and my wife very busy. In what feels like a previous life, I was a keen skier and snowboarder, Alas it will be a few more years until I can get the boys on the slope.

A fact not many people know about me, is that I was once was a mascot at age 11 for Ipswich Town Football Club (up the town!).

Where to next in your career?

I am keen to progress my career at Rayner Essex, working toward being a Corporate Tax Director, and maybe even Partner if they will have me. While this may be several years off, I am really enjoying taking time to build friendships and professional relationships with our team and clients.

What would your advice be to someone who is looking to embark into a similar role in Accounting/Tax?

I recommend gaining some experience perhaps even with us at Rayner Essex. If you find that you enjoy it then come join us. There are numerous paths into this industry, whether through university, an apprenticeship or by simply working your way up and broadening your experience. The world of accountancy and tax is incredibly diverse, so you’re bound to find an area that suits you, and most importantly in a supportive culture and enjoyable work environment. Your work should be a happy place, where you can be empowered to grow, that’s really the key.

Photo by Alessio Soggetti on Unsplash