My career path to date

I went to university to study accounting and finance, and whilst studying, found I had a passion for tax. With this interest, I applied to tax accountancy roles and found myself at Price Bailey – where I’ve been since.

Why I chose this profession

I was never completely sure what career path I wanted to take—at school, sixth form, or even university. I focused on choosing subjects that played to my strengths and kept me motivated. I’ve always had a natural ability with numbers and logical thinking, so I gravitated toward subjects that utilised and reflected that. At A-level, I studied Business, Economics, and Maths, which gave me a solid foundation for accountancy.

At first, I wasn’t even certain I wanted to go to university, but I saw it as a valuable opportunity to explore something new that could lead to a future career. I chose Accounting and Finance because it built on the skills I’d already developed – and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. Some modules, like Tax, sparked a genuine interest, and I found myself wanting to dive deeper.

When it came time to apply for jobs, I came across Price Bailey. Their values really resonated with me, and the more I learned, the more I felt it was the right fit. I’m now working toward becoming a Chartered Accountant and Tax Adviser, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing in the profession.

Qualifications and training

I am currently studying on the ACA/CTA joint pathway. This programme will take me through the steps to become a chartered accountant and a chartered tax adviser. This involves a mix of exams and practical work experience. The pathway is challenging at times, especially balancing study with work, but the support from my firm has made a big difference. Each module builds your confidence and adds to what you can contribute in the workplace.

Current role

In my current role, I work across a broad range of tax areas, including estates, personal tax, corporation tax, and research and development. Each area brings its own unique challenges and learning opportunities, which keeps the work varied and engaging. A large part of my workload in January involves preparing personal tax returns ahead of the filing deadline, but throughout the rest of the year my responsibilities are more diverse. On a typical day, I might support managers in drafting reports for companies claiming tax reliefs, write clearance letters to HMRC for corporate restructurings, or receive training in both technical and soft skills. This includes developing communication techniques and gaining exposure to new areas of tax, such as inheritance tax reporting, which I’m just beginning to explore.

Future plans

Once qualified, I’m hoping to continue developing my skills in tax, and potentially specialise further. Accountancy opens doors across industries, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next—whether that’s progressing within my firm or exploring new sectors down the line.

Advice for others

If you’re thinking about a career in accountancy, my advice is: don’t be put off by the idea that it’s “just numbers.” It’s about people, business, and understanding the bigger picture. Be open to learning, ask questions, and don’t worry if you don’t know everything right away – no one does. The most important thing is to get stuck in.