Hannah is an experienced audit manager that works on audit assignments across a variety of sectors including financial services, property investment and development, hospitality, manufacturing and education.
Tell us about your background and career journey at Bishop Fleming?
I began my accountancy journey in 2011 after leaving university with a degree in French and Spanish. I started a training contract in a London based firm and had a really positive well-rounded experience with them. To be closer to friends and family, I relocated to Bristol and worked for a couple of other firms, before progressing to management level. After taking maternity leave with my son, I joined Bishop Fleming in July 2021 as an audit manager on a part-time basis and I've been enjoying getting back to work.
How has your role evolved since you’ve become a parent, and what are some of the biggest challenges you've faced along the way?
Being a working parent is hard! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a working mum or a working dad, if you have the responsibility of care for small humans then the challenge exists.
I work three days a week – Wednesday to Friday. This work pattern was set through my childcare restrictions and although not usual (most working parents I know on 3 days opt for Tuesday to Thursday) I try and make it work the best I can.
It’s hard to not think about how your projects are going or what you’ll come into on a Wednesday knowing that there are two working days before you logon, but I have chosen to work part time to have time with my children so it’s important for me to remember that. I feel that Bishop Fleming have been very supportive in that regard, and I have never been made to feel like I should have logged on in those two days.
I’ve worked at a few firms over my career so far and the support at Bishop Fleming has been excellent. There’s a clear understanding of the challenges faced as a parent within my peer group and the audit partners I work with, and I feel that I can talk to them about how I‘m getting on or challenges I’m facing delivering my projects.
What are some of your proudest moments in your career?
I would say my proudest moment would be qualifying as a chartered accountant. I remember stacking all my study manuals up on the day I passed and was amazed that the pile was taller than me! That’s a lot of hard work and learning.
On a day to day basis I feel proud when someone says the team and I have done a good job for them, that’s what working in practice is all about – delivering for our clients and making Bishop Fleming a firm companies seek out to work with.
What advice would you give to anyone starting a career in accountancy?
Be sure it’s what you want to do! It’s a lot of hard work and a huge time investment at first to become chartered. Working somewhere supportive is hugely important as the support your colleagues can give you is invaluable.