Date posted: 4th Oct 2023
I’m Louise Crowe and I work in the Durham office as an Audit and Accounts Senior.
How did you become an accountant?
Prior to applying to university, I researched a few different careers as I had a passion for numbers, I then felt accountancy would be the best choice for me. I joined Clive Owen LLP on the graduate scheme and from there have progressed to an Audit and Accounts Senior.
The graduate scheme I was part of consisted of sitting professional exams and gaining on-the-job experience. This meant I had to strike a balance between learning and gaining office experience, something that has provided me with the confidence and knowledge I need to progress.
What does your typical day look like?
As an Audit and Accounts Senior, my role differs each day. There is a good mix of independent work and being part of a larger team. I personally benefit from this as I like to learn from others, but also I am able to diligently work independently to finish workpapers. I communicate a lot with managers and partners, which is beneficial for my career, as I am able to learn from experienced colleagues about the best ways to do certain jobs.
What do you like about audits and accounts?
I enjoy learning from clients about their business processes and procedures. As I have progressed in my role, I have started to understand more about certain sectors and gain exposure as to how different businesses operate. I do this by talking to different members of the client’s team about their specific roles.
Talk us through some of your career highlights
I have had so many highlights in my time so far at Clive Owen LLP. I enjoy working in the Durham office and interacting with my colleagues. I find it helpful to discuss technical topics within the team. I have been awarded an MVP award, nominated by my colleagues for going over and above for clients and colleagues.
I am part of the social committee and so spend time organising social events for the offices, this has been a great way for me to meet people across the firm and develop some new relationships. I have also completed the Ullswater Way to raise money for a local charity, and it is safe to say it was a challenging 20-mile walk in the rain!
What do you do when you are not at work?
Outside of work I enjoy going for walks, and really switching off from the work environment. I take part in ‘Hotpod Yoga’, which, in simple terms is doing a Yoga class in a hot inflatable pod. I danced a lot as a child, and have recently got back into this, and I performed in a show in March 2023, quite the contrast from the day job!
What does your future look like at Clive Owen LLP?
Becoming ACA qualified was a massive achievement for me, and now I have that academic, recognised backing I am ready to progress further in my career. For the time being, I am glad to be exam-free, but I may consider further specialisms in the future. I enjoy offering support to other colleagues and new starters, this is something I would like to do more of, potentially looking to progress to a managerial role in the next couple of years.
Find out more about life in our Durham office here!
Or, if you would like to start your career in the same way as Louise, click here
