Meet the team: Shona

Meet the team: Shona

What initially sparked your interest in accounting, and how did you start your career?

It was at a careers fair at Holkham Hall aimed at sixth formers where someone simply asked if I studied Maths.  Like everyone else at 18 I didn’t really have a clue what I wanted to really do, but by that point I knew I wanted to move into something where I could learn on the job and wanted an alternative to uni. I started in a large regional practice as an entrant where I worked alongside completing my AAT and ACCA qualification at Kaplan Financial in Norwich.

What's the most common misconception about accountants?

That we’re good with money! I could tell you about tax efficient ways to withdraw money from your business, or what equipment to buy to get the best capital allowances, but with my own money I’m terrible for buying treats for myself…

What do you find most rewarding about working in accounting? 

Gaining an insight into a whole range of different businesses, I’ve worked on the accounts across the board from a sole trader painter and decorator, to marketing companies, property developers, farmers, hairdressers, event companies and florists for celebrities.

What area of Norwich/Norfolk do you enjoy the most?

Outside of accounting, I love to paddleboard, so anywhere on the water, be it the river Wensum in the city centre or the Norfolk Broads I’m very happy. I think we’re also very lucky to have such a diverse coastline within an hour’s drive, so if I’m not on the water, I’ll be at the beach with my spaniel Mack.

In your opinion, what sets Perk apart from others in the industry?

Keeping in contact with clients and them knowing they won’t be charged for every 5 minute phone call. It’s not unheard of in the industry that some people to not actually know who their accountant is, or who else they could contact, and they tend to deal with their accountant just 1 day per year to sign off their year-end accounts or tax return. That is not Perk’s vibe - I don’t know many other practices where you could ping a WhatsApp message over!

How do you unwind after a busy day at the office?

I'm not sure I do! I keep busy. My weeknights are usually a mixture of paddleboarding, going for a dog walk or a run, or failing that … scoring pretty poorly at a pub quiz.