From graduate to Assistant Manager: building a career at Rayner Essex

In a recent interview, we caught up with Joe to learn more about his journey into audit, what continues to drive him, and how he has progressed his career with Rayner Essex.

Why did you choose a career in accountancy?

Studying Mathematics at the University of Surrey made me realise how much I enjoy solving problems and working through complex information in a logical way. Accountancy felt like a natural fit, as it combines technical thinking with real businesses and real people.

My placement year at Rayner Essex confirmed that audit was the right path for me. I quickly realised that behind every balance sheet is a story about how a business operates, and being part of that process was far more interesting than I’d originally anticipated.

What did you do prior to joining Rayner Essex?

Unfortunately, I don’t have much to add here as I joined Rayner Essex straight out of university and it has been my only ‘proper job’.

I spent a gap year between finishing school and starting at university, teaching maths at a school in Uganda and playing for my local rugby team.

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

What stood out to me immediately was the people and the culture. From trainee level all the way up to the partners, everyone is approachable and willing to help, which makes a huge difference when you’re starting out and learning the role.

I’ve also been very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to progress and take on responsibility over time. The firm has trusted me to develop at my own pace, and I hope to continue contributing to the supportive and collaborative environment that helped me grow.

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

As an Assistant Manager in the audit department, I oversee audit engagements from planning through to completion, coordinating teams, reviewing work, and acting as the main point of contact between clients and the engagement partner.

A typical day involves monitoring progress across multiple assignments, reviewing audit files, resolving queries, and helping ensure deadlines and quality standards are met. A big part of the role is keeping everything moving smoothly — and stepping in when things inevitably don’t go to plan.

As my portfolio is largely new to me, I still have a hand in performing the audit work and setting up the audit files for future years. This gives me the opportunity to work alongside members of the team, and support the trainees develop their confidence and skills forms another key part of my day-to-day work.

More recently, I’ve also taken responsibility for overseeing updates to our audit software. This involves working through manuals, testing releases, and helping the team adapt to changes — which largely consists of trial and error, followed by eventually figuring out what the manual was trying to say in the first place.

What is your greatest achievement and what motivates you?

Progressing from placement student to Assistant Manager within the same firm is something I’m very proud of. Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and taking on leadership responsibilities reflects both the opportunities I’ve been given and the effort I’ve put into developing my career.

I’m motivated by continuous improvement and by being someone the team can rely on, as well as helping others develop along the way.

What do you like best about working at Rayner Essex?

The team culture is what stands out most. Everyone is supportive and approachable, and there’s a genuine sense that people want each other to succeed.

Organising the office 5-a-side football team has been a personal highlight. It’s been a great way to bring people together — although my contributions are now more logistical than athletic. Having started out with a handful of interested staff, then competing and even winning tournaments, and now organising an inter-office derby match featuring 22 players, it has been a fun rollercoaster.

Tell us a little more about yourself and what you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy socialising with friends, playing golf, and getting outdoors when I can. I should say that whilst I enjoy playing golf, being good at it is still very much a long-term project.

I recently got engaged while on a safari in Kenya, which turned out to be a truly magical trip and further affirmed my love of ‘the bush’ and the wildlife that inhabits it. I’m already planning our next adventure for later this year!

Where to next in your career?

I’m looking forward to continuing to develop as an Assistant Manager, taking on greater responsibility, and contributing to the continued success of the firm. I have taken on a really exciting portfolio of clients that I’m keen to grow alongside and hopefully add to when I have the capacity.

I’m particularly keen to keep developing my leadership skills and supporting newer members of the team as they progress.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in accountancy and finance?

Ask questions, stay curious, and don’t be discouraged if things don’t make sense straight away — everyone starts in the same position.

It’s also important to value the people around you. The support, knowledge, and experience of your team make a huge difference, and accountancy is far more collaborative than most people expect.

Photo by Keyur Nandaniya on Unsplash