From placement student to partner

We caught up with newly-appointed partner James Haywood to find out more about his career and aspirations. James started as a 12-month placement student while studying Accounting and Finance at Nottingham Trent University. After graduating with a First in his degree, he came back to the firm and has progressed rapidly.

What does being a partner mean to you?

I am absolutely delighted. From my first day here in 2011 I have had the ambition to become a partner and I am delighted to achieve it. I am looking forward to taking on a leadership role and hope to inspire and motivate existing and new members of the team.

How do you feel about becoming a partner at the age of 30?

Delighted! Not many will get an opportunity like this, especially as young as me. I wanted to be a partner by the time I was 34-35, so to get the opportunity as early as I have is just amazing.

What do you hope to achieve?

I hope to continue to build on the solid foundations the current and previous partners have built and help Page Kirk grow. I also want to ensure that the firm is able to improve and continue to provide an excellent quality of service to our clients – from small pieces of ad-hoc advice to creating long-term strategic plans.

What are the most important attributes for leaders to be successful in business today?

To be caring and understanding of a person's problems whilst guiding them to achieve goals.

Why did you want to become an accountant?

When I was 14, I realised I wasn't going to be England's number-one goalkeeper, so I decided to look at other potential job routes and, as I loved maths, accountancy seemed to fit the bill.

Accountants get a rough ride as being dull and boring, but I could see that everyone needs an accountant and, especially in practice, you'll get a different task every day from firms in different industries. Variety is key to not going stale.

Why did you want to become a partner at Page Kirk?

Money, money, money! No, I'm just kidding! As mentioned, from day one, I have wanted to become to partner and that is simply down to my mentality of wanting to be one of, if not the best in the industry. The only way I could achieve that is to become a partner. Saying that, my motivation does not stop here and there is a little way to go still.

How do you plan on helping clients?

As well as continuing the firm's excellent service that delivers bespoke accounting plans, I want to focus on advising them on a technical and strategic level, essentially becoming their 'external financial director'.

How do you support team members?

The approach of supporting and motivating team members depends on an individual and situation. Sometimes a simple laugh and joke can lift the spirits, but on other occasions, it does require a sympathetic approach. Talking through a problem and providing advice, and hopefully using real-life experience, can give a team member clarity in order to solve problems.

Do you have any mentors? How have they helped you? Anyone who inspires you?

Since day one, a number of people have helped me understand a variety of things, but there a couple who really stick out. Jonathan Newman, who I am delighted to say has recently become a senior manager of the audit and accounts department, has been guiding me through each stage of my career. When I started, I pretty much worked under Jonathan as a junior and when Jonathan became manager, I became the senior of his jobs. When he's grown, I have grown with him. Karen Bottomore, who has been a senior manager of the audit and accounts department for a number of years, has also been incredibly helpful throughout my career. She has, on many occasions, provided timely advice and personal experience in order to help me grow.

How did the placement/graduate scheme help you with your career?

After my second year at Nottingham Trent University, I began my placement at Page Kirk. At the time, I was on for a mid 2:1 for my degree course, but seeing my studies in practice helped me immensely. I ended up with a first-class honours degree, but also had a head start when I began my training contract. Since becoming a chartered accountant, I have spoken to several people regarding their graduate schemes and they do seem amazed by the variety of work I was able to be a part of and the help I received with my studies. With that, I was able to be an assistant manager within six months of becoming a chartered accountant.

How did the Page Kirk exchange programme help you with your career?

After becoming a chartered accountant, I was delighted to have the opportunity to work at a CPAmerica firm in Boston, USA for three months. During my time out there, I learnt a lot about the analytical side of auditing. In America, there is not as much testing, but more work in comparing figures to the previous year or two (and sometimes up to five years) to find trends and problems. Since then, I have scrutinised figures a lot more closely in order to spot any trends or problems and then seek to advise clients on how to eliminate any issues and grow.

What lessons have you learnt climbing the career ladder?

Be open and be yourself. You gain respect from your fellow team members and clients by doing this.

James is a specialist charities and not-for-profit accountant, but also has a vast experience of owner- managed businesses in a number of industries, from engineering to dentistry. If you would like to work with James to grow your business and plan for the future, please contact us on 0115 955 5500 or email enquiries@pagekirk.co.uk