Careers

When did you start at Shaw Gibbs and what was your first role here?

Having finished university in Southampton in June 1998, I was looking to start a career in Accountancy. I was fortunate enough to be offered a Job at Shaw Gibbs as a trainee and started training for the ICAEW accountancy qualification.

Why did you choose to work at Shaw Gibbs?

When going for the initial interview at Shaw Gibbs, I immediately liked the office and Oxford - I could see myself working there. However, what really attracted me to the firm was the people who I met during my interview process. They were all incredibly friendly and cared a lot about their business and spoke passionately about their clients.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

Nearly 20 years after that initial interview, and having gone from being trainee to being qualified and then specialising in Corporate Finance work, I took over as Managing Director of the firm in April 2016. A development that was only made possible by the training and support given to me by the firm and something that I still believe is very important in how we run our organisation. In my day to day role, my key focus is managing the firm and delivering our strategies, employing the best people and providing a high quality complete service to our clients. All of this is only achieved by having great people, and interesting and varied clients. Both of which help make the firm the success it is today.

What do you love about your job?

It is an exciting time to be working at Shaw Gibbs as last November we expanded our operations by opening a second office in London’s West End. Our knowledge of the London market indicates a growing demand for accounting services that are driven by value, technology and high standards of practice.

What makes Shaw Gibbs a great place to work?

Everyone joining Shaw Gibbs will get plenty of varied and interesting work, early opportunities for development and a friendly and supportive environment in which to learn.

When did you start at Shaw Gibbs and what was your first role here?

I started in August 2014 as a Chartered Financial Planner.

Why did you choose to work at Shaw Gibbs?

My first impression of Shaw Gibbs was a vibrant, forward looking organisation who value their employees highly. The great team ethic is very much apparent and everyone looks after one another. I was also drawn in by the great location – the Oxford office is in a truly lovely part of the city.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

As a Financial Planner, I help clients to make smarter decisions with their money. I help them to achieve a lifestyle they designed, rather than one they are given. To me, that’s what proper financial planning is all about.

What do you love about your job?

I get a great buzz from being able to make a real difference to people’s lives. The chance to see clients who can now truly enjoy their fulfilled retirement years – people who can enjoy gifting money to their family because they have a new found confidence and reassurance in money. It’s a great feeling.

What makes Shaw Gibbs a great place to work?

The chance to work with a great team. Everyone has real character – they put 100% into their work but lead really interesting lives outside the office too.

When did you start at Shaw Gibbs and what was your first role here?

I joined Shaw Gibbs as a Trainee Accountant in August 2014.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

My current role is within the Audit and Accounts department. While training, you get to do both accounts preparation and go out and complete audits at the clients’ premises. There is a wide variation of work that we do from bookkeeping and VAT returns through to the bigger jobs such as preparing the accounts to auditing them. My role currently involves doing some accounts and audit work as well as helping clients set up and implement new software solutions for their business.

What makes Shaw Gibbs a great place to work?

Shaw Gibbs is a very supportive place to work. Not only are we supported through our studies at college, but we are also very well supported within the office. Colleagues are always very happy to help answer any questions, and will always be willing to help if you have a client that needs additional advice.

It is also a very friendly place to work with a good balance between work and social life.

When did you start at Shaw Gibbs and what was your first role here?

I started at Shaw Gibbs in 2010, shortly after I graduated from University. My initial role was as a Trainee in the Audit and Accounts Division.

Why did you choose to work at Shaw Gibbs?

Shaw Gibbs were well known in my area and one of the largest practices in the county. I knew that given the size of the firm and its range of specialist divisions, there would be far more options available to develop my career, as well as interesting people to work with.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

During my first 2 years of work at Shaw Gibbs, I gained exposure to both our audit and accounts clients. This meant working with businesses ranging from sole traders to businesses with a £100m + turnover. Over this time, I developed a preference for audit and became and Audit Assistant Manager in 2015, looking after some of the practice’s larger audit clients.

During the busy season, I helped our Corporate Finance division with certain pieces of work and was then given the chance to join the CF team on a permanent basis.

My current role involves a range of work, including; advising on business sales and acquisitions, financial due diligence, business valuations, and finance raising. The work draws on a number of skills that I gained in Audit & Accounts as well as others such as; industry research, negotiations, report writing, and business development.

What do you love about your job?

No two days are the same! The work is hugely varied and you are given a large amount of autonomy over your workload and how you look after it. Provided you are comfortable, staff are also actively encouraged to take part in business development and go to events to meet and generate contacts. Events I have taken part in recently have ranged from formal drinks to corporate hockey and netball tournaments.

What makes Shaw Gibbs a great place to work?

The size of Shaw Gibbs means that there are a number of opportunities in terms of career path that wouldn’t be available at other businesses. However, at the same time, the practice is not so big that you get ‘lost in a crowd of other employees.

The firm also recognises that you need a work/life balance and actively keeps policies in place to help with this. Lastly – and most importantly – the social scene is interesting and diverse. Recent social events have included; boat trips, go-kart building and a trip to a trampoline park.

When did you start at Shaw Gibbs and what was your first role here?

I started at Shaw Gibbs in November 2010 as a Receptionist.

Why did you choose to work at Shaw Gibbs?

I worked part time in a school and was looking for full time employment. When I came for an interview, I could tell that Shaw Gibbs would be the right place for me. Everyone seemed very friendly and a very professional and smart firm to work for. The offices impressed me and the location in Summertown is very nice.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

I am employed as a Receptionist, which involves many duties but mainly helping callers with their queries and greeting all visitors and clients.

What do you love about your job?

I enjoy meeting different people on a daily basis and each day is so varied.

What makes Shaw Gibbs a great place to work?

Shaw Gibbs is a great place to work because everyone is so friendly and nice. The Social committee also arranges plenty of fun things to do throughout the year. I am in my 7th year here and still enjoy coming to work!