What is your role within RG?
I am a Corporate Finance Executive within the Corporate Finance team, focusing on lead advisory.
Tell me about your career to date…
I joined the Big 4 firm Deloitte in September 2019 as part of the Audit and Assurance department, working on audits of very large private and listed businesses in Newcastle. I learned a lot during my time in audit, both in terms of accountancy, and professional soft skills.
I had been aware of RG for a while and thought joining presented an opportunity to directly advise shareholders and provide more commercial advice. So, about a year ago I joined the CF team as an exam qualified accountant, then I completed my ACA qualification in November. RG were fantastic in helping me get the final bits of my ACA completed, which made the process of switching firms during my training period really straightforward.
What does your current role involve?
I work in the CF team providing lead advisory services. We advise businesses and shareholders on acquisitions, sales, raising investment or debt, refinancing, as well as providing more general strategic advice, such as our assessment of a business’ current value.
As an Executive I am responsible for liaising with clients, preparing deliverables such as valuation reports, IMs and market research, and helping my colleagues provide advice to our clients.
I will usually be one of the main point of contacts for the client, leading on calls and client communication, which I really enjoy.
What makes RG different?
The team at RG is really tight knit, and provides me with the opportunity to work closely with senior, experienced colleagues, which is a fantastic environment in which to develop professionally.
Additionally, there are regular social events including drinks for the whole office, sports events & charity fundraisers. For example I have had the opportunity to run in the Great North Run to fundraise for an RG client.
My 3 most notable achievements to date would be….
1. Getting my ACA qualification in November 2022
2. Getting a Masters degree with Distinction from the University of York (and my BSc)
3. Completing the Great North Run and raising money for the Susan Channon Breast Cancer Trust
Tell us about your day so far….
I woke up between half 6 and 7 and headed out with my dog for a morning walk to start the day. Once back and with coffee in hand I headed upstairs to log on. As usual I started the day reviewing my to do list that I had updated the day before, to ensure I’m clear on what needs doing and that it’s prioritised correctly.
Before some scheduled calls I replied to some client emails about the various projects I’m working on, and then I prepared a Heads of Term document which sets out the parameters of a transaction I’m working on along with some of my CF colleagues.
Following that, it’s some further prep for a call with a client to update them on the current status of the sale of their business as we move towards completion.
Following that call, I will work through the emails that have arrived whilst doing my other work, update my to do list for tomorrow, and complete a bit of financial analysis to help a client better understand an acquisition opportunity – all whilst checking in with my colleagues for guidance throughout the day.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work I’m really interested in football – I have a Newcastle United season ticket and play with friends once or twice a week. I’m love sport generally, particularly snowboarding, squash, spikeball, golf and hiking with my dog Bramble. Now that it’s getting warmer I’m hoping to get out surfing in the North Sea, and also hopefully on our SUP with my dog and partner.
And finally, leave us with one interesting fact about yourself…
I have an identical twin called Connor!