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Just three of our more experienced people describe their history at Target below.
Duncan Nicholas, Head of Audit, Bath:
My career started with The David Naish Partnership (DNP) in 1998, where I completed ICAEW training and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001.
Target’s acquisition of DNP gave me opportunities to evolve and gain experience across many different areas. The environment has helped my career to take off – with early acquisition of my own portfolio of clients and the support needed to develop client advisory skills. I’ve been able to rapidly build my own reputation within the Audit & Assurance team.
Until a few weeks ago I was working as Audit Manager in Bath office, reporting directly to the Head of Audit and Assurance, but I have now assumed this more senior role myself, leaving the previous head free to focus on strategic development across the group. Being Head of Audit brings with it a range of new challenges including a lot more line management responsibility and ownership of department budgets and workflow. It also means taking a proactive approach to new business too.
Target is still growing rapidly and there are unquestionably many further opportunities opening up.
Debbie Boulton, Business Services Manager:
I came to Target via The David Naish Partnership (DNP) which I joined in 1996, completing my ACCA examinations and qualifying in February 1997.
After a brief maternity leave in November 1998 I became an audit and accounts manager, leading management and review of audit assignments. I was also involved with accounting systems and Sage installation and training.
From 2002 my client portfolio expanded to include more non-audit clients and in 2003, after gaining my practising certificate, I continued moving away from audit towards Business Services and Outsourcing. Following a second maternity in March 2004, I began actively driving forward the work of Business Services and Outsourcing. The responsibilities were daunting at first but support from my manager was excellent and I now feel fully able to meet the role’s requirements.
Now I have a portfolio of about 90 business services clients, ranging in turnover between £200k and £3million. I’ve built good business relationships with my clients and handle many different requirements from day-to-day audit and compliance services to payroll bureau and company secretarial services. I’m also preparing management accounts and discussing them at client board meetings.
Rachael Verinder, Private Client Tax Manager:
I joined Target in September 2005 as a personal tax manager from a traditional accountancy practice in Gloucestershire. My role involves a portfolio of mainly high net worth clients, individuals and business entrepreneurs – I provide tax planning advice on capital gains tax and inheritance tax and many other ad hoc matters.
Target are enthusiastic advocates of film partnerships for tax planning, an area that was new to me. I also oversee tax return compliance and the work of specific staff within the personal tax department: part of my role is ensuring that they also have the opportunity to learn and progress.
My department works very closely with the in-house financial planning department. The resulting combined tax planning and financial planning service is very popular among clients. In fact the main difference for me, working for Target, is that I have a smaller portfolio of clients who demand a much higher level of service and contact. Target is more proactive and dynamic, its overall approach more in keeping with current business pressures
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