Life in the Fast Lane: Josh joins Rayner Essex as Audit Senior

We caught up with Josh Waters Hall to learn more about what drives him as an Audit Senior at Rayner Essex, both professionally and personally.

Why did you choose a career in accountancy?

At school, one of my preferred subjects was Maths. I have also always had an interest in finances and being involved with businesses. Accountancy was a good fit to combine all of my interests and strengths in one.

What did you do prior to joining Rayner Essex?

I previously worked at a local accountancy firm where I joined as an apprentice and moved between departments as I developed my skills, training and interests. Initially, I worked in the accounting services department, handling accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, along with preparing tax compliance work such as VAT and corporation tax returns. My journey led me to the audit department, where I found my niche and have continued to grow my career at Rayner Essex.

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

The people are what make a firm truly great, and Rayner Essex have got a great team. They are committed to staff development, providing ample opportunities for career advancement.

Rayner Essex also offers a variety of benefits, one of which is particularly appealing to me. Living outside London, I appreciate the firm’s flexibility in accommodating remote work, allowing me to balance my professional and personal life effectively.

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

In my role as an Audit Senior, a typical day at work involves leading and working hands-on with various client audit engagements. I oversee and review the work of colleagues assisting on these engagements, ensuring their on- the- job training and development. My day also includes communicating with clients and coordinating with managers and partners internally, as well as typically handling company tax returns and preparing financial statement.

What is your greatest achievement and what motivates you?

My greatest achievement has been accumulating a broad range of knowledge and skills from working across various departments in a previous firm, enhancing my ability to excel in my current role at Rayner Essex and meet client needs effectively. Starting my career as an accountancy apprentice, I completed my AAT and am now progressing through my ACCA. My drive comes from my desire to finish my ACCA studies and become fully qualified by early 2026, coupled with my competitive spirit and commitment to delivering the highest quality work and achieving job satisfaction.

What do you like best about working at Rayner Essex?

As mentioned earlier, the staff and culture truly make Rayner Essex stand out! The audit department fosters a nurturing and dynamic environment where everyone from colleagues to managers and partners support each other’s personal development and career goals. Despite the audit department extending across both London and St Albans offices, I regularly communicate with many team members. Our interactions are not always limited to work; often, we’re simply getting better acquainted with the team. Additionally, we hold regular staff social events that are well-attended and greatly enjoyed by staff from both offices.

Tell us a little more about yourself and share something not many people would know?

I am a keen swimmer and part of my local town swimming team. I train with the club several evenings per week, and I’m gearing up for my first swimming competition (gala) in 2025, something I haven’t done in years.

Something that not many people know, is that I like a bit of adrenaline from time to time. I have gained my motorbike license, participated in supercar track days, taken flying lessons, tried indoor skydiving and even experienced skydiving from a plane (actual sky diving), showcasing my ‘need for speed’.  

Where to next in your career?

My immediate goal is to obtain my ACCA qualification, and then continue to advance within the audit department, climbing the career ladder at Rayner Essex.

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

I would recommend that they initially gain experience in any way possible, whether its in industry or a practice. There are various paths to gaining qualifications such as apprenticeships, university, or certifications such as AAT, ACA, and ACCA. There are also diverse roles within the field, including payroll, accounting, auditing, taxation and corporate finance. Only you can decide what’s best for you, but it’s important to take the initial step and pursue what genuinely interests you. A great starting point is to join a practice where you can immerse yourself in different types of work. This exposure helps you build a solid foundation and guides you toward a specialty that captures your interest, paving the way for a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Photo by Kamil Pietrzak on Unsplash