What is your role within RG?
I am an Audit Assistant within the Audit and Assurance service line.
Tell us about your career to date…
I started my career with a cryptocurrency data analytics firm, CCData, working on and developing FCA regulated trust and reliability benchmarking for cryptocurrency exchanges. The elements of audit and professional scepticism I was exposed to are what led me from graduating from Newcastle University with a degree in Chemistry to applying for the first audit-specific trainee role at RG.
Since joining RG I have gone from having little experience, checking invoices and reconciling transactions to having been able to gain experience with all areas of audit for a range of clients from small local businesses to national corporations.
What makes RG different?
The thing about RG that stands out to me would be the focus on the people and the culture of the firm. Since day one I have felt welcomed and included by everyone in the Audit and Assurance department and beyond. More than that, there is a constant drive to excel and develop both professionally and personally, and the firm provides the resources and opportunities to do so.
The welcoming environment and the drive to provide clients the best possible service has an array of benefits. Not only do I get to work with, and learn from, passionate experts in their chosen specialities; by being able to form relationships throughout the firm I have been given opportunities and been supported to stretch myself and develop new skills rather than being defined by my specific role.
What does your current role involve?
In my role at RG, I am involved in a wide variety of different ways. Depending on the needs of the department I could be analysing large datasets and reconciling invoices, all the way to touring an operational factory or taking a trip to Birmingham to verify machinery and construction progress of a large-scale development. I also spend a lot of time communicating with clients to ensure that both we and they have the right information to keep audits running smoothly. This is also one of the most engaging aspects of the role due to the wide range of industries and clients I get to work with; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to a problem.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside the office I try to keep active so I’m a member of a local rugby club where I’ve played since I moved up to Newcastle for University. I’m also part of two cricket clubs, but the weather makes it the harder of the two to get out and play.
And finally, leave us with one interesting fact about yourself?
A few years ago, during lockdown I started teaching myself how to play guitar. More recently for a new challenge I have also begun teaching myself how to play piano. If I can play a station piano without embarrassing myself by the end, I’d count that as a success.