I felt empowered to take control and steer my career in the direction I wanted.
Polly Brock, Tax Executive
What attracted you to Bishop Fleming?
I joined Bishop Fleming in 2019 on the ACA graduate programme. Whilst at the University of Exeter, I worked in the Careers Team, helping organise employment events. I spoke to Bishop Fleming whilst working at a careers fair and felt really encouraged to pursue a career in accountancy, despite having no prior work experience.
During the interview process, I was impressed with the culture of continuous professional development. I learned about the Level 7 Apprenticeship offered to ACA students, residential development weeks, and opportunities for growth post-study. This was important to me as I wanted to find a graduate job with a clear pathway for progression and long-term opportunities.
Can you share with us your career journey and role at Bishop Fleming?
I spent the first two years of my career in our Audit Team. This was a great place to be whilst studying as I was exposed to different businesses that were relevant to my exams. During this time, I quickly built confidence in dealing with clients and my technical knowledge.
As I progressed through my studies, I realised I wanted to pursue an advisory role and was offered the opportunity for a secondment to another team. I accepted a three-month secondment to the VAT Advisory Team, and I’m still here two and a half years later!
It was a challenging decision as I was doing well in the Audit Team, but I knew I was looking for something different in the long term. I took a risk trying something completely new, and luckily, it paid off.
Even as the most junior member of the VAT Advisory Team, from day one, I felt empowered to take control and steer my career in the direction I wanted. This has allowed me to be involved in winning new client work, representing the firm at national conferences, and attending training courses to enable me to specialise further.
Within my team, I enjoy the variety of clients and projects; no two days are the same! I also enjoy the extra activities I have been encouraged to participate in, including our Inclusion and Diversity working group, Charity Fundraising Committee, and representing students from the ICAEW through the Southwest England Student Society.
What have been your most significant achievements so far?
My biggest achievement so far is becoming ACA-qualified. There were several moments of doubt, particularly as most of my study was during the pandemic, and I had to re-sit an exam. The support available from management and those who I studied alongside was invaluable. To celebrate qualifying, I went on holiday with the friends I made whilst studying, who work in other teams at Bishop Fleming.
What’s on the horizon for the future?
I’m currently working towards a promotion to VAT Manager, thanks to the support of the rest of my team. However, these plans are on hold while I go on maternity leave. When I announced my pregnancy, I was offered sessions with a parental careers coach who has helped me navigate my career progression alongside becoming a parent. So far, the sessions with my coach have been really helpful, and I look forward to continuing with these.
Do you have any advice for others thinking about starting a career in accountancy?
Don’t be afraid to take a risk and try something new – the accountancy profession is so broad, and there are countless opportunities that are surprising and rewarding and require a variety of skills. I was initially attracted to the opportunity for further study but found my favourite part of the job is working with amazing people, both colleagues and clients.
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