Giving graduates client cases from an early stage means relationships can grow and develop. I started working with clients when I first joined and still work with them so I’ve seen their businesses grow and have developed strong working relationships as we’ve grown together.
Why did you make the move to EQ to complete your traineeship? When I finished University, I started my graduate position, having accepted the first graduate offer I was given but after a year I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me. EQ has always had a good reputation and when I saw an advert for another position, I decided to contact them to explain my situation and was happy when they offered me an interview.
What were your apprehensions in moving to EQ? How have these been overcome? I wasn’t sure what to expect starting a traineeship, my only reference was watching Ally McBeal! However, I felt my previous firm was very old fashioned so although I was nervous about going into my second year of training with a new firm, working with an energetic team instantly made me feel better. There was no-one else at my level in the same office when I started, but there were others that I could speak to about future exams, and I could share my experiences as well.
How do our working practices differ to the firm you were part of before? At my previous firm, it was common place for graduates to work on a single service, like bookkeeping, and then hand it over to be completed by someone else. At EQ, it’s structured so you work with clients from start to finish across all services (including accounts and tax) if applicable, giving you more experience across all areas.
What are you involved in at EQ that you weren’t involved in before? I am involved in a number of advisory assignments to help my clients meet their personal and business goals, particularly in relation to tax. This can be anything from changing the structure of a business, assisting with business acquisitions and disposals or implementing Employee Management Incentives for a firm. Every day is different, and it ensures your work day is always interesting.
What opportunities have been available to you since you joined EQ? EQ has a clear grading system, so you can easily work on your career path and progress up the levels. I’ve managed to grow my client base as well as heading up the EQ Healthcare team and became Partner in April 2017. EQ have always been incredibly supportive as a firm and encourage you to grow both professionally and personally.
Can you tell us a little about the relationships you have established with your clients since you joined? Giving graduates client portfolios from an early stage means relationships can grow and develop over time. I started working with clients when I first joined and still work with them, I’ve seen their businesses grow and have developed strong working relationships with them. They know I have their best interests at heart and regularly contact me to discuss not only their goals, but sometimes just to share their good news with me!
What three things would you say to someone interested in completing their traineeship at EQ?