What route did you take to BDO?
I commenced working with BDO Stoy Hayward in 1998, after completing a joint degree in Law and Accounting at Queens University, Belfast.

Why did you choose BDO Stoy Hayward?
On completion of my degree I went through the traditional milk-round recruitment process. I attended presentations by all of the major firms in Belfast. After so many of these, it became difficult to remember the differences between the firms, but BDO stood out for me because of the informal atmosphere and friendliness of the people. In the end, I went with my instincts, and I haven't regretted it yet!

What is your role in BDO?
After completing most of my training contract within the general practice department, I moved to the Tax department to specialise in Corporate Tax and Tax Consultancy. I went on to sit my Chartered Tax Adviser examinations in May 2003. I am currently a Partner in the Tax Department.

Typical activities/projects you are involved in at BDO
To describe my typical day-to-day activities is no easy task because of the huge variety in my job. I deal with a good range of clients, from small family-owned businesses to large groups and plcs, which gives my job its diversity. In the morning I could be advising a small partnership on how to incorporate the business, while by the afternoon I could be working on a group reorganisation for a large group of companies. Some examples of other assignments I have been involved in recently are tax due diligence projects, capital allowances exercises, remuneration planning for company shareholders/directors, capital gains tax planning and corporate tax planning for groups of companies. This range of work keeps the job interesting, and means you're never short a challenge or two!

Best bits of working in BDO/your department
I can sum up the best thing about working in BDO with one word - people! The people in the firm are very friendly, and tend to get on well together both during working hours and afterwards in the pub! For me, constant contact with people is very important and in BDO we get this both internally and in our dealings with clients, whom we tend to have a year-round involvement with rather than just an annual compliance visit.

Your advice to those interested in joining BDO
I would recommend working in BDO to anyone who wants to work in an informal, social environment, which encourages personal growth and offers good prospects for career development. After being here for quite a few years, the opinion I formed during the milk-round presentation hasn't changed - I still think that the difference between BDO and other firms lies in its friendly atmosphere.

Interests outside BDO
I am a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, which I enjoy not only from a social point of view, but also because it puts me in a completely difference role from my role in work! I also enjoy walking and attending the gym regularly to keep fit. Like most people in the firm, I am also partial to a bit of socialising at some local pubs and clubs!