This International Accounting Day, together with our Baker Tilly International colleagues around the world, we’ve been thinking about three key questions. Business Services Partner Stephen McConnell shares his 1, 2, 3.
1. What made you begin your career in accounting?
I joined Baker Tilly Mooney Moore straight from school. I knew University wasn’t for me and had found out about the Accounting Technician’s course. It was a brilliant way to combine training and working and I then went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. I’ve been with the firm ever since. Accountancy has given me a tremendous career with endless opportunities.
2. What advice would you give to someone starting their career in accounting?
Find the right firm to train with. I really benefitted from gaining a broad range of experience with clients in all sectors. For me this was invaluable, after a few years of working I knew I wanted to specialise in Business Services. Together with a brilliant team, I’ve built up the department and it’s now a core area of the business. Your life outside work is all important. Balancing working, professional training as well as a social life is key. We always encourage our trainees to get involved in all of the activities we do. A few years ago I started a Saturday morning boot camp – it’s been brilliant for all of us, a lot of fun and we’ve all got a bit fitter!
3. How do you see the future of the accounting industry changing?
The level of information we can give to our clients now is incredible – both in terms of speed and detail. It means they are able to make business decisions based on sound data. We really do work in partnership with clients as they develop their businesses. As things become more complex, more businesses are outsourcing their accounting functions and are seeking advisory work. They are freed up to focus on their business. I can only see this trend continuing.