Date posted: 6th Nov 2024
We caught up with Audit and Accounts Associate, Ruth Barnes to find out more about her role within the Middlesbrough Audit team.
What route did you take into accountancy?
After completing my degree at Teesside University, I worked in industry for a year to understand more about finance before moving to Clive Owen LLP. I have always been good with maths and enjoyed working with numbers, so it seemed like the right choice at the time, and 4 years later I am glad I pursued this career.
What is the most enjoyable thing about being an accountant?
I really enjoy the autonomy of my work. I am able to take the information a client has provided me and go off and work through this in my own way. I also enjoy working with spreadsheets, it is very satisfying when you use the correct formula and everything adds up, once you have mastered it, you can really go into depth.
In 1 sentence, sum up the audit and accounts department.
No day is the same, although it is like marmite – you either love audit or hate it!
How do you help clients?
I pride myself on my communication and being a good listener, I always aim to be prompt with my replies and work with clients to get the most information in the most efficient way. I also try to explain things in a simple way to clients to give them a seamless experience.
What do you like about the Middlesbrough office?
The Middlesbrough office has many benefits for me, first of all I live close to the office, so it reduces my commute time and allows me to make use of the flexible working options that we have. The dynamic within the office is also great, I really feel part of a team and because we work with other departments on a regular basis, having the tax and managed services teams right next to me makes my job easier. We also have a great tuck box, with all the proceeds raised going to local charities, I am partial to a Friday afternoon chocolate bar!
What do you think makes Clive Owen LLP a Great Place To Work?
For me it is the opportunities we are given. I am always able to do further training and learn from experienced colleagues, which has really helped my development personally and professionally. I am also involved in the social committee, planning activities for the wider team such as bowling and escape rooms, these give us a platform to network and meet colleagues from other offices outside of the work environment.
What items are on your desk right now?
I have photos of my family and friends on my desk, alongside my collection of pens and a banana which I promise I do eat… just after the chocolate.
Sum up Clive Owen LLP in one word.
What’s the next step in your career?
I am just over halfway through my qualification in terms of exams and on the job learning, so my immediate focus is to pass the remainder of my exams so I will become a Chartered Accountant. I enjoy working with my younger colleagues who are just getting started in the practice, so I would like to take up a more managerial role in the future, to facilitate this.
What do you do after 5pm?
I try to run most nights, I am currently in training for the London Marathon. I have been part of a running club for a number of years, and find this to be a great stress relief and also something to focus on which helps me with my mental wellbeing, and improves my work.
To find out more about Life at our Middlesbrough office, click here.
To find out more about our training programmes click here.
To connect with Ruth on LinkedIn, click here.
