Why did you choose accounting and how did it come about?
I completed an accountancy apprenticeship after school and started with a small firm, where I eventually moved into specialising in corporate tax as it resonated most with me. I have been at Hazlewoods for nearly 11 years now, and have developed my corporate tax role throughout that time. As the healthcare sector within the practice has grown, I have enjoyed being part of the team, and I now jointly manage a team of 17 including new trainees.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I jointly manage a tax team that specialises in large corporate clients, with a specialism in the healthcare sector, and really enjoy training and growing the team, which has expanded from seven to 17 this year alone.
What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?
I have learned that to progress in my own career, I need a strong team around me - I cannot do it alone. My passion is in developing other people, having a voice and being heard.
What challenges do you help your clients with?
My main focus is reducing tax liabilities as much as possible, in order to maximise cash flow for our clients, especially since the corporation tax rate recently increased from 19% to 25%. For example, I have recently given a dental group a number of scenarios on what they could do in order to maximise the tax savings depending on their position in the market (i.e. looking to sell or grow). A lot of our clients work on a buy and build structure, particularly those in the healthcare sector. When the clients are moving towards an exit from their business, they are looking to us for advice around their tax strategy to ensure the position on exit is optimum for seller and buyer.
What challenges do you face in your current work?
At present, the focus is on getting the team to a place where we can take on more work, and help grow the business further. It’s an exciting but busy time!
Tell us about what you enjoy outside of work?
With three young daughters and numerous pets, I am always busy, and enjoy walking near to where we live in the Forest of Dean whenever I can.
If you would like to know more, please get in touch with Gemma at gemma.bolton-morris@hazlewoods.co.uk or 01242 680000.