What struck me most when I came for my interview was how approachable everyone was, and after working here for 12 years, that's still the same.
Can you share your journey at Bishop Fleming, starting as a graduate and progressing to your current role?
I joined Bishop Fleming straight from University, completing my professional ACA and CTA qualifications before progressing to tax director and leading the firm's Equity Incentive services.
Throughout my career, I have focused on corporate tax restructuring and share transaction projects, as well as managing the tax compliance affairs of groups of companies in a range of sectors and sizes, from owner-managed companies to listed PE-backed entities.
The firm has grown substantially since I joined, and the opportunities created by working in a growing firm have allowed me to realise my ambitions, providing me with the tools and mentorship to take on different challenges as I progress through my career.
Outside of tax, I keep active by running, playing football, and walking with my wife and Sheprador (German Shepherd Labrador cross). I'm also an avid supporter of Chelsea Football Club, having a season ticket on and off for the last 25 years, being lucky enough to be a mascot in 2001.
What leadership skills or experiences have you developed during your time here that you feel set you up for success in your current role?
The firm is very supportive and provides many exciting opportunities to develop and
expand your skill set. I asked to assist with tax training when I had just qualified, and from this, I progressed to leading the tax training for all trainees as they completed their professional exams. The skills I developed whilst undertaking that role gave me confidence in communicating and public speaking, which I've taken into the tax director role by leading a growing team in an ambitious department.
How would you describe the culture at Bishop Fleming, and how has it shaped your career journey?
What struck me most when I came for my interview was how approachable everyone was, and after working here for 12 years, that's still the same.
Throughout my career here, I have been given the support and guidance to improve my skills, whether in technical tax knowledge, client relationships, or presenting in front of large audiences.
Our offices are open-plan, and there are no partner offices, so everyone sits in the bullpen together. This means senior team members are more accessible and have always been willing to help.
[Me as a 10 year old Chelsea mascot in 2001 (Zola is that short, I wasn't a freakishly tall 10 year old!!)]
Tax is often seen as technical and complex—what do you enjoy most about working in this field, and what makes it exciting and rewarding at Bishop Fleming?
I really enjoy problem-solving, and tax at Bishop Fleming is all about problem-solving. We deliver complex tax advisory work by adding real value to our clients and creating strategies for them to achieve their objectives. Every day and every project are different—it's never boring.
It's fast-paced and challenging at times, but that makes it incredibly rewarding. You're working with ambitious, talented colleagues willing to help or offer guidance.
What opportunities exist for managers and senior professionals looking to make a real impact in the Tax team?
The advantage of joining a growing firm is that there are opportunities to expand your skill set in a leadership role and contribute to the success of the whole organisation by having a say in shaping its future.
As a manager, you would play a crucial role in coaching the junior members of the team, fostering their professional development and building a strong team.
How does the independence of the firm (not being private equity-owned) benefit both clients and employees at a managerial level?
One of the most rewarding parts of working for Bishop Fleming is that, as an independent firm, you have the ability to suggest change and influence the firm's decision-makers.
The firm is over 100 years old, and decisions are made for its long-term stability and growth rather than for short-term gain. For example, we have just significantly upgraded our firmwide software system to provide more efficient client delivery and be a market leader for decades to come.
What's been your proudest moment at Bishop Fleming, and how does it reflect the firm's vision and values?
Choosing a single moment is quite difficult. I'm proud to be part of a firm whose turnover has grown 250% since I joined but has still largely kept its culture and identity. I'm proud of being able to have an active say in growing the team and training and coaching their development.
A particular proud moment that demonstrates the firm's values was when I was an assistant manager because the firm asked me and nine other assistant managers to organise a firmwide event. Delivering a project like that for 400 staff, which wasn't associated with the day job and nothing any of us had done before, showed the responsibility and trust the firm places in its staff. The firm's values include working as one team and having the courage to be different, skills I learnt by working with the other assistant managers, leading on aspects of the day, and designing the event itself.
What advice would you give to managers and senior professionals looking to join a growing and dynamic Tax team like yours?
Bishop Fleming is a very ambitious firm. I've seen firsthand the phenomenal growth over the last few years, but it's never been a better time to join. Our growth isn't slowing down, and it means more opportunities for exciting work, leadership, and innovation in our sector.
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