HOT OFF THE PRESS

This article appeared in The Sentinel on Wednesday 16th July 2008.

Successful Women in Business

More women attracted into accountancy careers

Once considered a male-dominated profession, accountancy is now very much one that attracts women candidates.

Fiona Green and Amanda Boyle both work at djh Accountants Ltd, based in Wolstanton. Fiona joined the business ten years ago and 'climbed the ladder' to Directorship, while Amanda joined in June this year, to work within the Corporate Department.

Fiona began her career at djh as a trainee, after graduating in Business and Financial Economics. During her three-year training period she qualified as a Chartered Accountant, then also went on to study to become a Chartered Tax Adviser. She now heads up the Tax Team.

Prior to working at djh Amanda graduated in Business Studies and went on to work in a local authority internal audit department, before going to work for a private sector practice in Nantwich. Moving to djh has given her the opportunity to broaden the nature of clients she works with. Amanda is currently studying for ACCA qualifications.

Fiona said: "During .the time that I've worked here, we have segregated the business into specialist departments. We're a very proactive practice and the Directors take a hands on approach. People think we spend all day adding up numbers, but the job provides more scope than that. We are business advisers and as the Tax Specialist I personally spend a lot of time dealing with HM Revenue & Customs enquiries. The average age of the Directors at djh is 39 and we employ a total number of 38 members of staff throughout five departments".

Amanda is enjoying her work and is looking forward to going to college in Manchester to study and has set her sights on qualifying within the next two years. She said: "The training is flexible as you can spread your exams over a maximum of 10 years and distance learning courses are available.

"One of the things that attracted me to accountancy is the job security, plus it's a respected profession. You have to work hard and pass exams - however I enjoy the challenge and the chance to develop personally. Tax rules and compliance issues are continually Changing which put an onus on us to keep our knowledge continually updated. Accountancy is not a male dominated profession any more and people like Fiona are roles models for me to aspire to," she said.

For more information on accountancy..... please call us and ask for Chris Beardmore.