People are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we enjoy getting to know more about those who make Hazlewoods. The Christmas edition of our #Hazlewoodspeople series features Associate Director, Emma Boutcher, who has a passion for supporting SME businesses throughout their growth journey.
Did you take a 'traditional' route to accountancy or was it something that you discovered along the way?
A bit of both really – it all stemmed from university where my degree was Business Studies. I did a placement year at Barclays Economics where I worked with SMEs and I found it really insightful. Combining that with a natural interest and ability in numbers and attention to detail, I went on to specialise in Accounting Finance in my final year. From there, I sent off CVs for apprenticeships and began my career in a small accountancy firm.
Why did you move on to Hazlewoods?
I was training in Gloucester and the small accountancy firm didn't really have any room for development. I knew that Hazlewoods had a great reputation with clients, as well as opportunities to work with SMEs that suited my skill set. I was keen to expand on my knowledge and get more exposure to different clients at Hazlewoods. It also provided a more structured and progressive career path, which was a big plus.
Hazlewoods is a large and reputable firm but has a 'smaller' feel to it, in a positive way! Working in teams is great because you can really form proper relationships, but you also have the larger network around you for support and specialist expertise. I never feel micro-managed and enjoy having the autonomy to make my own decisions in my role.
What do you enjoy most about working with SME businesses?
I like that my clients are mostly owner-managed businesses and not traditionally corporate, meaning I can really get to know the owners, understand their needs, and act as their main point of contact for everything. I often get asked random things that have nothing to do with accountancy but am there as a second pair of eyes or ears.
I work with SMEs across a range of sectors, so I love the variety that comes with it and am able to learn a lot about the different industries. It's great to watch a business grow and to also experience business owners growing their organisations to the stage they want to get them to. Some owners are ambitious and want to take it as far as they can, others want to develop it to suit their work life balance and achieve a comfortable position. I am able to accommodate that journey and tailor my support to compliment their specific goals.
We are able to support an SME as it grows, but can then draw upon the knowledge of the wider firm around us as that business' requirements expand, meaning the client doesn’t need to look anywhere else and the relationships become stronger over time.
What has been the biggest thing that you have learnt in your career so far?
Tailor your language to suit the audience. In the accountancy and business world, there can be a lot of jargon. Always be clear and concise with the client and explain things in layman’s terms so there is no confusion. You're on the journey together, so you don’t want to feel like you are just providing a 'service' that they don’t understand, especially when it's contributing to the success of their business. To help with communication, I would also say to just pick up the phone for a conversation, rather than back and forth via emails which can get misinterpreted.
With 'change' being a big factor in today's world, what key business insights have you discovered along the way?
I've found that clients who are successful are the ones that are willing to adapt. As you say, the world is constantly changing, with technology driving much of this. You have to embrace technology. There's been a big shift from manual record keeping and the use of Excel, to online platforms and cloud accounting software.
However, AI does have the potential to dramatically change the role of 'the accountant' in the future, which is why having value added services, as well as accountants with opinions and bespoke advice will be where the real value lies.
With the Christmas countdown now officially on, what was your favourite Christmas gift as a child?
I was a big fan of dolls, Barbies and Sindy dolls. I had a five-story doll house so every Christmas, I would just keep adding to it!
I also did a lot of cycling with my family, so would get bikes for Christmas too which I loved.
What is your favourite Christmas film?
The classics - Love Actually and The Holiday. They're the ones I've seen the most.
Finally, where do you stand on the Brussel sprout divide?
I like them!
If you would like to work with our #Hazlewoodspeople,
take a look at our career opportunities here.