Umang is a Senior Associate in our Healthcare Audit Team. He’s an experienced audit and forensic accounting professional with nearly nine years of international experience spanning the UK and India. Here he tells us about his career, which has incorporated corporate audit, transactions monitoring, forensic investigation, and academic teaching.
Professional background
I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in India, and began my career with a mid-tier firm there, where I progressed from Manager to Associate Director while leading transactions monitoring assignments for listed companies, large construction groups, and logistics entities. My responsibilities extended into high-value forensic investigations conducted on behalf of banks and companies that were in the process of corporate debt resolution, as well as risk assessments for different organisations.
After relocating to the UK, I completed an MSc in Forensic Accounting at Sheffield Hallam University and joined the university as an Associate Lecturer, delivering lectures and supporting postgraduate research. I then moved into UK practice as a Senior Corporate Auditor at a small practice in Chesterfield, gaining extensive experience with ISAs, UK GAAP, FRS 102/102 1A, and Companies Act requirements, while managing audit teams and working closely with clients across diverse sectors.
Joining Hazlewoods — A significant step forward
Transitioning from a small practice in Chesterfield to Hazlewoods, one of the UK’s Top 35 accounting firms, marked a major milestone in my professional journey. While the move naturally came with a mix of excitement and nerves, the experience quickly became overwhelmingly positive thanks to the supportive and welcoming culture within the firm.
From my very first day, colleagues at all levels — juniors, seniors, and managers — were incredibly helpful. I was given the time and space to settle in properly, followed by clear and detailed explanations of processes, expectations, and methodologies. The technical training was structured, thorough, and delivered both on-the-job and through formal sessions, enabling me to adapt smoothly to Hazlewoods’ high standards of quality and practice.
Since joining, I have gained valuable exposure to several large group audit assignments, which has broadened my technical expertise and strengthened my ability to manage complex engagements. I have also been entrusted with a team of junior auditors and supported by additional staff, allowing me to delegate effectively and focus on higher level risk areas, client communication, and overall engagement management.
One of the standout qualities of Hazlewoods is its transparent and well defined progression path. The firm genuinely welcomes new ideas — whether related to professional development, process improvements, or team culture — creating an environment where contributions are valued and encouraged. This openness, combined with the firm’s strong growth trajectory, has accelerated my professional development and reinforced my confidence in taking on greater responsibility.
Overall, joining Hazlewoods has been a transformative step in my career, offering the perfect balance of challenge, support, and opportunity. It has allowed me to grow both technically and professionally while contributing meaningfully to the firm’s continued success.
If you’re interested in joining Hazlewoods, please see our current vacancies here.