Date posted: 8th Aug 2024
By Simon Hook, partner
Seeing our new colleagues get started with their accountancy careers prompted me to reflect on my career journey with Clive Owen LLP.
Getting started
I have always been good with numbers and from a young age was intrigued by business, I decided that an accountancy degree was a good option for me. After graduating, I started on the same path as our new recruits, under our trainee intake, over 20 years ago. Our scheme has been running for more than two decades and many of our existing senior team started on this programme. I work primarily in the Durham office, which has recently grown by 30% over the last two years.
The firm has always supported those looking to carve a path in the industry, even introducing our own bespoke training scheme, Aspire, which comprises different elements of development for those starting and progressing in their role with us. We are now working on a new talent development programme to support our team as they develop their careers with us.
My progression
I qualified as an accountant in 2004, as part of the Durham office and was trained by Gary Ellis who I now get to work alongside daily. I then worked my way up the ladder, becoming a partner in 2012. eight years from my last exam to being a partner of the firm that supported me from the start is a proud achievement for me as I look back on my career journey.
Progressing from a trainee to a partner has been a challenging journey for me, especially being part of the firm’s growth. When I started, there was less than 60 colleauges, and we now have over 148 members of the team across four offices. I undertook professional development through a number of qualifications, whilst working on my personal skills with leadership training.
Being a partner
I am often asked what being a partner is actually like, and there is no definitive answer. It is hard work but brings with it lots of benefits. Running a business naturally brings its own challenges, but also opportunities and worthwhile, rewarding work. The work is varied, although it sounds cliché you really don’t know what the next email you receive will be and that keeps it exciting. I work with some fantastic clients, across almost every industry and I continue to be impressed at just how innovative and progressive our region’s businesses are. Running a business also gives me unique insight, I understand and experience similar things to my clients, therefore I can offer sound advice that is backed up by real-world experience. There is also some risk involved with running a partnership, we are responsible for the running and upkeep of the firm, dealing with economic challenges as we go. Part of this is understanding the needs of a modern workforce, with flexible working and sustainability being forefront of the minds of our team, it can be challenging to navigate somewhat of an unknown.
My advice
There is no real secret to success, but, in my opinion hard work will always help you develop and progress in your career. I like to live by the motto that hard work beats talent, and I think this is the most true in the accountancy world. There are so many ways to break into the industry and if you work hard and consistently deliver you can quickly progress. Being transparent with clients and colleagues is also a good skill to have if you can learn to communicate effectively with people at all levels, it will go a long way in helping you to achieve your personal goals. I always aim to deliver excellent client service too. It’s important to work closely with clients to learn about their challenges and financial goals.
I am very proud of my achievements and I look forward to continuing to grow our firm with more partners, colleagues and offices.
To find out more about our partner’s journeys click here.
To view our current job opportunities, click here.
