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Why work with us?

Accolades from some people in the know

If you find the prospect of a career route daunting, just look at what some of our people have to say about how much they appreciate the opportunities at Armstrong Watson. The word ‘enjoy’ features quite frequently!

Friendly people

I didn't really choose to be an accountant, I just ‘fell’ into it. I applied for the job at Armstrong Watson after meeting one of their representatives at a careers fair at my school in Carlisle. I was doing three A-levels at the time and had no idea of what I wanted to do in the future. The only certain thing was that I didn't want to go to university.

I still had no real idea about what an accountant did. I was just lucky in that I enjoyed the job from the beginning and have now made a career out of it. My achievements to date with Armstrong Watson include completion of the six-year student training programme, with first time passes in all exams, as well as gaining a new position within the firm. I also came top in the Northern Society region of the advanced-stage exams in 2004.

I enjoy the job that I do at the moment as I have a large variety of tasks, involving both client work and internal admin work such as billing. I also like working for the Business Services team, as this helps clients with lots of situations, a service that they really appreciate.

Armstrong Watson has a wide range of skills amongst its staff, so opportunities to learn more about other areas of accountancy are available. The people at the firm are friendly, which makes for a good atmosphere to work in. I also enjoy working for Armstrong Watson because they are constantly looking to move forward and grow and are continually investing in training and new staff.

Joanna Hirst - Business Services Manager

Excellent opportunity

The Armstrong Watson Group structure provides our people with an excellent opportunity to combine knowledge, experience and specialised technical skills. This in turn allows us to deliver the complete range of services and advice to clients who operate in very differing environments, from rural villages to major towns and cities, throughout the country.”

Brian Johnstone - Partner

Vast knowledge

On 1 October 2006 my work life changed radically when the firm for whom I had worked for the previous 20 years merged with one of the ‘big boys’ - Armstrong Watson.

My feelings at that time were a mixture of excitement at the thought of working for a bigger firm, tinged with nervousness about the prospect of my pond suddenly becoming an ocean. I needn’t have worried.

When I started working in accountancy in July 1986, it was as a wages clerk. Study and qualifications earned then meant that I could transfer to accounts, and then tax. At the time of the merger I was working as a partner’s assistant doing all of his tax work. During this time I had developed a strong interest in VAT, but didn’t have the opportunity to further my enthusiasm for it. That was about to change.

Soon after becoming an Armstrong Watson employee I was offered the opportunity to specialise in VAT, with my main responsibility being for the Borders group of offices in Carlisle, Dumfries and Lockerbie. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, since then I have not looked back.

My new role has given me the chance to work in a number of our offices where, without exception, both partners and staff have made me feel welcome and an important part of their set up. It has also afforded me the advantage of having access to vast areas of the knowledge held by other staff and partners which has not only been beneficial to clients but also in my own pursuit of learning.

I can put my hand on my heart and say that, whilst I have always enjoyed my work, since becoming a part of Armstrong Watson I have found new friends, new learning, new challenges and a renewed sense of self worth.

Val Vince - VAT Consultant

Highly reputable

Just before my 30th birthday I took on my new role as a Partner at Armstrong Watson, having qualified as a Chartered Accountant and also a Chartered Tax Adviser six years previously. I find myself part-way through a career in accountancy, a profession that had never crossed my mind whilst at school. On leaving school my intention was to do a degree in building surveying. The career prospects in the construction industry weren’t brilliant and the thought of another three years of unpaid full time education with no guarantee of a job, made me look elsewhere.

So what steered me towards accountancy? Probably my desire to become a professional, at the same time as working, training and earning some money.

I chose to train with Armstrong Watson because I wanted to remain in Cumbria but at the same time be with a large, highly reputable firm with a formal student training scheme. I attended courses in Newcastle on a regular basis, studying alongside trainees from the ‘big  four’ firms of accountants. Thanks to the quality of training and support given by Armstrong Watson, coupled with lots of hard work, I passed all of my exams at the first sitting and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1999.

Whilst in my training contract, the work was varied. I worked at a number of our offices experiencing many aspects of accountancy. Having seen the various specialisms within the firm I decided that the general practitioner route was the one for me. I then studied to become a Chartered Tax Adviser to give me the edge that I needed. This training was fully supported by Armstrong Watson who were keen to see me progress. I qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser in 2000 and was promoted to Corporate Manager at our Kendal office. With experience and careful mentoring I progressed to Senior Manager in the office, and then Partner.

For quite some time my goal had been to join the Partnership and Armstrong Watson gave me a training and career structure that allowed me to achieve this goal relatively quickly. The things I enjoy most about working for Armstrong Watson are:

- The excellent training support and opportunities offered to all

- The career progression available and that is actively

   encouraged

- The people - everyone is friendly and approachable

- Being part a team that has a pride in its work

- Working with, arguably, the best accountants and strategic

  business and financial advisers in our regions.

- The high quality service we offer to our clients

- The competitive salaries on offer

As for accountancy as a career, in all honesty I basically stumbled into it but have few regrets. The qualification provides so many options to specialise in such areas as taxation, corporate finance and insolvency, right through to the general practitioner. What I enjoy most about my job is the challenge and the fact that no two days are ever alike. My responsibilities are wide ranging, as are all the people that I meet and help, on a daily basis.

David Threlkeld - Partner