Happy Work Anniversary!

Happy work anniversary Rachel, who recently celebrated 10 years' service with us.  Congratulations on reaching this milestone, we chatted with Rachel to find more about what it's like to work for Haines Watts. 

How did you find Haines Watts?

It was actually through a recruitment agency. They had already interviewed all the candidates but I managed to get an interview the day after I applied, and got the job!

Tell me about your career path? 

I left school after completing my A-levels and started an AAT apprenticeship through Babington Business College and completed this with my previous employer, before joining Haines Watts as an Accounts Senior.   Not long after I started the Tax Manager retired and I was given the opportunity to study ATT, which I completed to become a Tax and Accounts Senior.

What is your role? and what does a typical day look like for you? 

Being a Tax and Accounts Senior I work from our Derby office and together with our Tax Director support our clients with all their tax and accountancy needs.

My role is very varied, I prepare management accounts, year end financial statements, corporation tax returns, personal tax returns, trust and estate tax returns and provide tax advice to our clients.

What is the most enjoyable part of working for Haines Watts?

I genuinely enjoy working in tax and helping clients with their tax affairs,  so I would say that’s the best part of working for Haines Watts. I really enjoy speaking to and getting to meet clients, it’s really great that we can see clients face to face again and put a face to the voice.

Also, working closely with my colleagues. We all get on so well together and gel as a team, everyone is very supportive of each other.

What is your work/life balance like? 

Since having my two children, I work part time. So, the work-life balance is good. I work two days in the office and one day from home, which helps. Haines Watts offer me flexible working, which takes the pressure off, especially when having to do the school run!

I’ve found a way to make it work for me and have got a routine going. It is nice being able to spend time with my children while they are little. 

What has been the most challenging part of your career?

Working through covid from home was difficult, trying to juggle home and work life was tough, especially with everyone else in my house at home too!

What are your goals within Haines Watts?

I would like progress in the role and maybe study to become a Chartered Tax Adviser once my children are at school, which I know the firm will support me with. 

I want to develop and grow my client portfolio and am always ready to start a conversation with anyone who may be wanting to seek tax advice.

Why did you choose to work for Haines Watts?

Being a recognised company name helped me in my decision, a respected and well-known name out there in the accountancy world.  To work for a well-known accountancy firm is definitely impressive.

What do you like to do outside of work? 

I enjoy my weekends with my family and friends, spending time with my children are one of my main joys. Once at home the kids keep me busy and there are always chores to catch up on.

If you weren’t a Tax and Accounts Senior, what would you be doing? 

I would love to work with vulnerable children.

We'd like to say, thank you to Rachel for being such a valued member of our team and for all the hard work over the last 10 years!

 

How Haines Watts could help with your tax planning?

Personal tax can be complicated, with increased legislation and changing circumstances such as marriage, divorce, school fees planning, retirement, and long-term care.

So how you structure your personal affairs has a big impact on the tax you end up paying. We’ll work with you to come up with an individual tax planning strategy that makes sure you pay the least amount of tax.

Getting your tax right has never been more important. The penalties are growing and HMRC is cracking down more and more all the time. At Haines Watts, we’ll make sure your tax affairs are legal and accurate, right down to the last detail.

Let’s talk about how we can reduce your personal tax costs.

Haines Watts offer a full tax compliance service and can help with:

• Corporate Tax planning
• Tax reliefs including R&D
• VAT & Customs Duty
• Tax Investigations
• Wealth Planning and & Private client
• International tax planning

 

Our tax team also provide a comprehensive range of tax services for businesses – we are always ready to start a conversation with you, to see how we may be able to help you and your business.