Our team talk about their career journeys and experiences at Blick Rothenberg
Our people – their stories
Our people in their own words
We are proud of the different routes into the business that our people take. Whether a university graduate, school leaver or career changer; we celebrate individuality and know that no two career journeys are the same.
We want to shine a spotlight on the talented smart people who come from different backgrounds who work at Blick Rothenberg and the different routes they have taken to join us.
Our aim is to provide authentic advice directly from our people to those looking to start their careers in accountancy, or even potentially change career direction.
Don’t take our word for it though, check out some of our inspirational people. They share, in their own words, their career journeys, why they chose to join Blick Rothenberg and their advice for others considering a role in accountancy.
Partner
Genevieve Morris
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I knew from the age of 16 that I wanted to start work after my A-levels. I wanted to work in the accountancy profession earning a salary whilst I learned and studied for a professional qualification. Back then (2000) it was quite unusual to not go to university. Taking on an apprenticeship as a school leaver has now become a more common route, which is great.
When I finished school, I found a lot of doors were closed to me as I didn’t have a degree, but a forward-thinking tax partner could see potential in me, and I was lucky to secure a training role in tax. I studied for the ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) and then CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor). I was a fully qualified tax advisor at the age of 21.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I was promoted to partner in July 2013 and my role now is very different to the role at the start of my career. However, the most enjoyable part, through all of my career, has been meeting and working with fantastic people, whether that’s clients, colleagues or other professionals.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
Prior to joining Blick Rothenberg I worked for a Big 4 and a Top 10 firm. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both companies, I had by then decided what sort of partner I wanted to be and what sort of firm I wanted to be working in. For me, this was a smaller but perfectly formed business that would provide quality advice to quality clients, but in an environment where I felt more like a name and less like a number.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
Say yes! Say yes to every opportunity that you can and get exposure to as many different areas as possible. With everyone that you work with you will take away things that will help shape you and your future. And no, there’s no such thing as a stuffy accountant!
Associate
Humayra Tanni
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I first gained an insight into accountancy when I did some work experience at a small accounting practice near my home. I started off with producing bank reconciliations and found that the task wasn’t very difficult, and I enjoyed it. I then worked there as a full-time employee for 9 months. Whilst working there I had asked for advice from my colleagues on what routes they took into the profession. As I had been exploring the idea of an apprenticeship as a school leaver, they encouraged me to take on that route as it would ensure that I could become qualified at a young age and with no student debt.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I work in the accounts team and what I most enjoy about my role is that no one day is the same. Every day I get to work on something new which requires me to use my current abilities and learn new skills. The people I work with are nice and helpful, so I never feel alone.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
I chose to work for Blick Rothenberg because I felt a sense of belonging and warmth. The culture at Blick Rothenberg is something that stands out to me because I want to work in a place which is diverse and has equality for all. The value of ‘respect’ that Blick Rothenberg has aligns with my own values, so I knew it was a place I wanted to be a part of. When I had researched about Blick Rothenberg I saw that the firm has been running for nearly 80 years, so they must be doing something right and I wanted to be a part of this growing success.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
Do your research into the different aspects of accounting as there are so many areas that come under this, and every job is different. You will enjoy some and dislike others. When studying accounting the role you do can help you, for example, I had an exam on preparing financial statements and my role included preparing financial statements for clients, so it really helped me to be able to apply my study in real life and get a better understanding. I would also advise on doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university as you will gain more experience, and you can become qualified quicker and most importantly be debt-free.
Associate
Ihfaz Choudhury
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
My journey is quite an unconventional route into accounting. At a young age I always had a passion for business and finance, but I didn’t put any effort into school until year 11, when I started to actually revise and put some work in. Over that year, I realised that I was good at my subjects and that I also really enjoyed maths, despite previously not being good at it. The next year was A levels, in which I chose Maths, Geography and Economics. This was also the year that I found out that I had a massive passion in economics, with the subject being my absolute favourite.
In year 13 I had to make a choice, either follow the traditional route and go to university to study economics or start an apprenticeship programme in accounting. After speaking to many mentors and friends, I realised that the apprenticeship route was the way forward for me. My most likely career pathway after university would be into accounting or tax, so I thought ‘why not give myself an early head start at 18’?
In addition, if I had a degree in economics, I’d still have to study for the ACA qualification to become a chartered accountant, but if I did an apprenticeship, I could study towards the ACA qualification relatively faster. Factoring everything in, I felt like taking the apprenticeship route was the most natural thing to do for me. Whilst it is a massive step up from sixth form, the little skills and traits I have learnt are things that’ll stick with me for a long time.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
One of my favourite things about my role is the variety of clients that I work with. For example, one of my clients is a top motorsports company and I got to visit their office where operations are run and had the opportunity to speak to staff alongside seeing the technology present. This was so interesting to me.
The flexibility about my role is also something which is massive to me. The freedom I get to do my work is unmatched. I’m trusted to do tasks on my own without constantly needing a supervisor watching what I do. With our BRighter working framework, being able to log on to work my allocated hours at any time from 7am to 7pm, alongside being able to work from home is such a big perk and allows me to do so much more in my day.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
In my opinion, due to the size of Blick Rothenberg, I have got the best of both worlds. With BR not being a big 4 firm, this means that I get a lot more flexibility in my work. I have a good variety of clients across a number of sectors rather than just being specialised in one small sector. In addition, as Blick Rothenberg is not a small firm, this means that you’re not overwhelmed with work. You’ll find that it’s quite easy to maintain a good work – life balance here.
I could tell from my assessment centre and first day that BR has such a friendly working environment, which was so different compared to anywhere else I’ve been. I remember my first job booking on a client, I didn’t want to ask for help from the manager as I didn’t want to bother anyone, however I quickly found out that people actually want to help you. When I asked help from the manager, she took the time walking me through what to do which was so helpful for me and put me at ease immediately.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
First, to understand what accounting is, and then think if you would personally enjoy it. Whilst accounting/tax is a brilliant sector to work in, it isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Also, be mindful of the exams, you will have to make sure to manage your time effectively during exam seasons as you will be required to work alongside having to revise as well.
Associate
Uvraj Singh
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
My journey into private client began in an unexpected place – with a background in Computer Science. While studying technology in college, I found myself increasingly drawn to the idea of finance and the unique challenges of private client tax. The variety in client situations and the opportunity to learn something new every day made it an exciting choice for me.
As an apprentice without prior knowledge or direct experience in accounting, diving into tax was initially challenging. However, I turned this challenge into a strength by approaching my work with a fresh perspective and a strong desire to learn.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
The constant learning and variety. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to deepen my understanding of the tax landscape, and I love that no two clients or situations are the same. This keeps the work dynamic and engaging, as I get to solve different puzzles and tailor my advice to fit each client’s unique circumstances.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
I chose to work for Blick Rothenberg because of the diversity, flexibility, and supportive culture it offers. I appreciate being part of a team with varied perspectives, experiences and backgrounds which foster a more dynamic and innovative work environment. This diversity not only enriches the workplace, but also enhances the quality of service we provide to our clients.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
My first piece of advice is to join with a fresh mind and be open to learning. You do not need to have all the answers or a background in tax/accounting. What is most important is your willingness to dive in, ask questions and take on new challenges with a positive attitude.
Another tip is to be patient with yourself. This field of accounting and tax can be complex. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Give yourself the time to understand the basics, and do not hesitate to seek help from colleagues or mentors.
Associate
Divine Unogwu
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I graduated from the University of Leicester in 2022, and decided to take a short hiatus from the world of Accounting and Finance to recentre myself and assess what I was truly interested in. My motivation was to not only find a role that was closely related to my degree but would also be enjoyable. This led me to applying for the US/UK Tax Graduate Scheme at Blick Rothenberg. A year later, I’ve completed the first of my 3 US exams to obtain my US Tax (EA – Enrolled Agent) Qualification. I’m looking forward to obtaining my UK Tax (ATT – Association of Tax Technicians) Qualification in future.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
Preparing both US and UK tax returns brings a lot of variety to my role, and every day is a learning experience. A year in, I’m still learning new things about how the interactions of citizenship in one, or both, of the countries affect the way an individual is taxed in each. It has prompted me to take note of laws and concepts, particularly when new policies are introduced. I gain a sense of accomplishment when I’m able to examine how these laws may apply to a clients’ specific situation and consider how they are affected, as I demonstrate to myself my own growth and understanding.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
When initially considering Blick Rothenberg, an aspect I noticed was the ‘nurturing’ culture in order to drive success. I knew I was interested in the position but was somewhat apprehensive, having never worked in tax before. This culture helped to put my mind at ease, as I was assured that there would be a focus on my personal progression in a very supportive environment. The BRighter Working (flexible working) framework also appealed to me. It was important to me to find a role that would allow me to strike a balance between work and daily life.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
An openness and willingness to learn. Tax laws and policies are constantly evolving and being able to stay informed and contextualise the work we perform makes it much easier to understand both our clients and the changes themselves.
Trainee Chartered Accountant
Jacob Gosden
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I left university after two years of my degree in economics with accountancy. After receiving an offer, I joined Blick Rothenberg as an apprentice to study towards the Association of Accounting Technicians professional qualification. This gave me the opportunity to take a more direct and practical path into accountancy, which I felt played more into my strengths.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
Collaboration. My role involves a considerable amount of time working in small to medium sized teams, which vary between assignments. Being able to work with an array of people allows me to build diverse relationships and learn from others’ experiences to develop myself.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
I chose to apply to Blick Rothenberg because of its reputation and the fact that the advertised job role would allow me to gain the relevant experience to develop a wide range of skills and advance to the next stage of my professional qualifications. I chose to work for Blick Rothenberg because of the positive interactions with members of BR staff during my assessment day, especially the Partner who interviewed me.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
My advice would be that simplified accountancy is problem solving and communicating with people. Whilst numbers and financial information are important to accountancy, working with others to find creative and effective solutions that arise from the financial information is what the role is about.
Associate
Oma Agbirigba
Tell us about your journey into tax
Having graduated during the Covid pandemic, seeking roles within the accountancy industry was challenging. I worked in several industries where I felt a disconnect and continued actively seeking a role in which I could pursue a long-term career. As an economics graduate, a career in finance seemed like an obvious route to take, however I was adamant to not settle for a boring and disengaging role. I decided to apply for the US/UK Tax Graduate Scheme at Blick Rothenberg. US/UK Private Client Tax is a niche service, and still there are specialised teams within the department. After researching the function, it felt like the perfect role for me.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I most enjoy the day-to-day variety of tasks. Each client has different streams of income, therefore each tax return will by default be different. These nuances mean that no task is ever the same.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
The first thing that drew me to Blick Rothenberg was the lively social media presence. It was imperative that I worked in a firm that was modern, aligned with my values and would invest in their people. From my research, I was able to gauge that the firm had a vibrant and diverse culture.
Blick Rothenberg prioritises a strong sense of employee satisfaction and outlines clear career progression pathways. I wanted to work in a firm that was established enough to provide me with challenging work but could also enable me to work closely with partners, directors and other senior people to maximise learning opportunities and BR offers that.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
First and foremost, always keep wellbeing as your top priority. Working in a deadline driven industry means that there will no doubt be intense periods of work. However, to deliver our best work, we must look after ourselves. Work hard but never be afraid to ask for help!
Be present and stay connected with people. Network and be intentional about developing relationships with colleagues. Good relationships will no doubt be invaluable to your career in the long run.
Senior
James Morris
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I was always a numbers person at school which led me to choose to study accounting as an A-Level. I enjoyed this and I began looking into ways I could take accounting forward after sixth form and decided that an apprenticeship was the best option for me. I never liked the idea of spending another 3-4 years studying at university and the option to not only build knowledge on the job, begin to pursue tax/accounting qualifications and to get paid while doing it sounded like a brilliant option for me.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I’m given the freedom to complete my work the way I feel works best for me and am trusted that the work will be completed to a high standard and in a timely manner. This was one of the biggest differences for me compared to school where you are told how and when everything needs to be done. I also enjoy the work life balance.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
After my initial interview with Blick Rothenberg, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to work in the future. Compared to other interviews I had attended, Blick Rothenberg had a very welcoming feeling, and it felt like the sort of place I could see myself building a career. After getting the role I knew I had made the right choice on my first day. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. In my time at Blick Rothenberg, I have learnt that as long as you are willing to work hard, you will be able to progress regardless of your background.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are there to learn and your colleagues will have no problem in answering any questions, no matter how silly you think they may be. It’s much better to take the time to sit with an expert and learn as opposed to trying something you are unsure about on your own because you were too afraid to ask for help.
Partner
Mahmood Ramji
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I grew up on a tough council estate in a family where money was tight. Like most of the people I grew up with, I didn’t believe I had the capability or opportunity for a successful career in a profession. Two factors helped me initially: I enjoyed working with numbers and my parents pushed me hard to make a better life for myself than they had – I think it was my dad’s mission. My parents helped me build the resilience and drive to apply to over 50 firms and attend many interviews before I got my “break” as an audit trainee at Grant Thornton. This resilience also helped me cope with, and eventually mainly overcome, what I now know was a massive dose of imposter syndrome. The support I got from people during this phase was amazing and I had colleagues from different backgrounds who remain great friends to this day 30 years on.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I have two key roles: I am an audit partner looking after a number of corporate clients and I have a leadership role leading the Mid-Market segment of our audit business. I have the privilege of helping our clients develop their businesses for greater success, and helping our people to learn and grow as they build their careers. I find it deeply satisfying to play a meaningful part in helping clients and people achieve success.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
I joined Blick Rothenberg in 2021 for two key reasons: its focus on high quality client centred work and a culture full of collaboration and respect for each other and our clients. I was inspired by the senior leaders I met who gently persuaded me that I would fit in and that the culture really is this good. They also convinced me (rightly) that I could be authentically me in all that I did at Blick Rothenberg.
What advice would you offer to someone who is considering a role in accounting?
In terms of an accounting/tax career, I would say that there is often a huge amount of people contact and a great opportunity to make an impact. My main point is that if you have the desire to pursue a career within this profession, then each person can develop amazing skills and friendships.
So, if you are interested, I suggest you do lots of research and take advantage of opportunities to find out more, especially the chance to speak to people in the profession.
Senior Manager
Kirsty Mackney
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
When I was in year 11 at school, I had the chance to complete work experience at a local accountancy firm and loved every minute of it. The firm I completed my work experience with invited me back to work the Summer after my GCSE’s and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I love the team that I work with and the value we offer our clients. I work within our outsourcing team; we look after small companies accounts internally. We work with clients that may not have the time to deal with their accounts alongside running a business. My team offers real-time assistance and expertise which gives our clients more time to think about other aspects of their business.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
They chose me. After my English, psychology and accountancy A Levels, I started working at a firm called Shelley Stock Hutter. My Blick Rothenberg journey started when they acquired Shelley Stock Hutter in 2017. My role has evolved over the last 7 years to adapt to the bigger firm, and I’ve enjoyed the challenge. Our team has grown at the same time my family has! Due to BRighter working (flexible working) and all the other benefits that we have, I’m able to work in a way that suits me, my clients, my team and my family best.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
Go for it and know your options! There are so many choices and so if you don’t like a certain area, there may be another that you are good at. I would also say, be prepared to work hard to achieve a professional accountancy qualification. It’s all worthwhile and the sense of accomplishment at the end is worth every hour of studying.
Assistant Manager
Jacob Baxter
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I completed an undergraduate degree in economics before studying international finance at postgraduate level. It was during my Master’s degree when I was first introduced to accounting. I developed a passion for accounting when studying introductory accounting modules and wanted to continue to expand my knowledge further.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I am able to work with a variety of clients in different sectors that are based all over the world. This gives me the opportunity to interact with different people and learn how various businesses work to meet their stakeholders needs.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
The opportunities inside the workplace continue to grow both professionally and personally. This is through new client acquisitions and opportunities to lead your own work, but also through the vast social calendar of activities. We all enjoy participating in different social activities and I particularly enjoy being part of the Blick Rothenberg cricket team.
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
If you enjoy problem solving and working in a fast-paced dynamic environment, this role is for you. A role in accounting is broad and, for example, can consist of payroll, corporate tax, audit and private client work. You are not limited to one area of the profession and can choose an area which is the most appealing to you.
Senior Manager
Alejandro Abad Algarra
Tell us about your journey into accounting/tax
I studied law and business in Spain. Towards the end of my degree, I realised tax was one of the very few areas that really combines both degrees, so I decided to give a career in taxa go. Nine years later I can certainly say I made the right decision!
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I am a Transfer Pricing specialist. Most of my role consists of understanding what businesses do and how that compares to the legal agreements they have in place to price intercompany transactions for tax purposes. This is really exciting as every business is different and I get to learn a lot.
Why did you choose to work for Blick Rothenberg?
I spent the first 3.5 years of my career working as a tax lawyer for a law firm in Spain. However, I had wanted to live in London since I was a teen, so when I turned twenty-six, I decided it was about time for me to pursue my dream. Blick Rothenberg seemed the perfect fit for someone like me, with no previous UK tax experience and looking to retrain as a UK tax advisor. Blick Rothenberg is an international firm, big enough so I could be exposed to a broad range of clients, but still approachable and supporting of people wanting a career change. I wasn’t wrong – I am still here 6 years later!
What advice would you offer someone who is considering a role in accounting/tax?
Professional exams can be challenging and at times make you wonder why you chose to become an accountant but try to make the most of them. See them as a great opportunity to learn the technical skills that will help you feel confident at work and progress your career as an accountant.
More stories from our team
Aisha Weise-Forbes from our recruitment team is on a mission to talk to people around our business to dispel misconceptions and address common assumptions about pursuing a career in Accountancy, Professional Services, or specifically at Blick Rothenberg.
Early careers at Blick Rothenberg
Your future starts here
We know what talent looks like and we set the bar high – our clients demand it, and we are proud to provide outstanding levels of service to meet their needs.
If you are a school or college leaver, career changer, university graduate or are in your final year of university, then our roles may be right for you.
When you join Blick Rothenberg, you sign up to much more than a qualification
You join the Blick Rothenberg culture and way of life. You will enjoy early responsibility and will find our business to be friendly and our working environment to be both lively and stimulating.
As a medium-sized tax, accounting, and business advisory firm, we are small enough that no one need ever feel that they are simply a cog in a machine, yet large enough to offer challenging and satisfying work.
You will spend time working among a variety of teams as part of your training and will be supported with significant learning and development opportunities.
Our people are key to our success
We know what talent looks like and we set the bar high – our clients demand it and we are proud to deliver outstanding levels of service to meet their needs.
That is why we invest heavily in nurturing our people so that you can enjoy a successful career with us, which in turn enables us to achieve the best possible results for our clients.