Stephen Harris

Career History

I graduated from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (as it was then known) with an accounting and finance degree. I joined Haines Watts, a national firm, initially as an auditor before moving into Corporate Tax. Since then, I have worked with entrepreneurial clients nationally both at Haines Watts and more recently Azets specifically focusing on their corporate tax requirements such as restructuring, M&A, exits and tax reliefs.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) ACA CTA

Experience and expertise

My background is with owner managed clients and being involved in many different aspects of their business. Whether this be specifically tax planning/advice or more generalised business advice, having that relationship to add value to their business is key. I become invested with clients and want to help them achieve their goals.

Professional memberships/directorships

ICAEW and CIOT

Career highlights 

I don’t have one specific highlight. I’ve been very fortunate to work with a lot of excellent people over the years which has resulted in some fantastic experiences throughout my career. One thing that always makes me laugh, was when I got my first role in accountancy after moving from Carlisle to Newcastle, the local Cumbrian paper ran a article on me with the headline “local man gets job in big city”. I don’t think that classes as a “highlight” though.

Did you always want to be an accountant

I stumbled into accountancy. My strongest subject at school was maths and therefore it was suggested to me to follow a career in accountancy. I did some work experience and that was that, accountancy was the chosen career choice!

Hobbies and interests

A lot of my activities seem to centre around sport. I’m a very keen football fan, supporting Carlisle United, but will happily watch just about any sport. I regularly play squash both with friends and for a team in Newcastle. Outside of sport, I spend as much time as possible with family and friends.