What do you do?

The simplest explanation? I’m the police of financial statements. I lead audit teams to independently assess whether a company’s financial reporting can be trusted. It involves a combination of technical expertise, project management and plenty of collaboration with clients, all with the aim of providing confidence to investors, lenders and other stakeholders. While that sounds quite serious, the role is really about people—working with clients, solving problems and helping teams navigate change and growth.

Why do you do it?

To be honest, I did fall into audit. During a work experience placement, I was introduced to the profession and realised it was a great fit for how my brain works. At school, my physics teacher once told me I’d make a good scientist because I was always asking questions and wanted to understand not just what was happening, but why. What he didn’t realise was that those same traits also make a good auditor. Curiosity is a huge part of the job, and I still get a lot of satisfaction from understanding how businesses work and getting to the root of complex issues. Thankfully for everyone involved, I ended up in audit rather than a physics lab. Cooper Parry is the absolute perfect fit for me. The firm’s values align naturally with my own, and I’m incredibly lucky to work alongside such talented and supportive people. There’s a real focus on doing great work while being yourself, which creates an environment where people can thrive. The culture, ambition and energy make it a place I’m genuinely proud to be part of.

What kind of projects have you been involved in?

I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic businesses throughout my career, particularly AIM-listed companies and ambitious, fast-growing groups. I’ve led first-year audits, audited major acquisitions and disposals, reviewed governance and control frameworks, and worked through significant accounting changes and complex transactions. No two projects are ever the same, which is exactly what I enjoy. Earlier in my career, I spent a number of years working with fully listed companies and US SOX environments. That experience gave me a front-row seat to best practice in governance, controls and reporting, and provides valuable perspective when working with growing businesses today. The projects I enjoy most are those involving change, growth and transformation. There’s always something new to understand, new questions to ask and a different story behind the numbers.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?

My bucket list is very long but in my spare time you’ll often find me on a long walk or hike (always with a pub at the end) so right now top of my list is to walk all of the Wainwrights in the Lake District – that’s all 214 fells in the Lakes!