Jo’s career has progressed from leaving high school to become an apprentice, to heading TaxAssist’s Training Academy as well as sharing her expertise in accounting and tax-related topics for national newspapers and radio stations.
Having gained her practice qualifications and experience at Larking Gowen in Holt, Jo joined TaxAssist Accountants’ Norwich Support Centre in 2010, initially to provide communications and PR support for its nationwide network of franchisees, which involves writing guides and articles for their clients.
Chartered Certified Accountant Jo, 34, said: “I thoroughly enjoy this aspect of my role, both in terms of researching and the creativity it allows, and because our guidance can make a real difference to the lives of small business owners. I regularly write for publications and websites, speak at national business events and I’ve done some live radio interviews, most recently on Badass Women’s Hour on talkRADIO.”
Her career diversified in 2013, after she won unbiased.co.uk’s Media Award for Professional Adviser of the Year and was given the challenge of managing TaxAssist Accountants Training Academy.
By identifying and delivering courses to meet the training needs of TaxAssist’s franchisees and staff, Jo has seen delegate numbers double.
“Because of the buying power of a nationwide network, I’ve been able to introduce the use of professional training providers,” explained Jo. “I work closely with them to tailor the content they deliver to ensure it’s really focused on our target market and the issues our network encounter every day. I’ve also refined the Academy’s systems, which has improved our data and we’re running vastly more webinars, which has been essential given that we’re training more than 1,300 people a year through the Academy. In 2016, we became an AAT-accredited training provider, which was a huge achievement for an employer.”
In 2014 Jo was promoted to Senior Manager and in 2016 was selected for the TaxAssist Accountants management development programme.
“I was really thrilled to have been included on the Accountancy Age 35 Under 35, not only as it provides an insight into the wealth of developing talent in the UK accountancy industry but also as it reflects how truly passionate I am about my job.
“My dad always said to me that if you enjoy your work, you’ll never work again and most days, I’m fortunate to say that’s how I feel. I have variety, I can be artistic and because I have such a diverse role, I get involved in lots of project work and I’m allowed the freedom to innovate and influence the direction of such a renowned organisation as TaxAssist Accountants.”
Potential franchisees can meet with Jo on Discovery Days; events which we regularly hold at our Support Centre in Norwich for those interested in finding out more about joining the TaxAssist Accountants network. To book your place, please call 0800 0188297.
The full Accountancy Age 35 under 35 can be seen here.
June 2018
