In a study of audit firms’ service to their clients, Horwath Clark Whitehill has been ranked second out of the top 12 leading accountancy practices in the UK.
Readers of Accountancy Age and Financial Director were asked in an online questionnaire to grade the firm that had conducted their last completed audit on several aspects of service, with Horwath achieving an overall 70 per cent satisfaction score, only just below top-scoring Mazars, which emerged with 73 per cent.
Better than average in all areas, Horwath’s most striking performance came in Transparent and Fair Billing, where it ranked top, beating the market average by 9 per cent.
Horwath’s impressive service ranking has earned praise from five employees who have recently joined the firm within the business services department: assistants Charlotte Clarke and Conor McCaughan, senior Jodie Bufton, supervisor Gillian Cunningham and business services manager Hamish Hockings.
Conor McCaughan joined Horwath in January after gaining a Masters degree in oceanography from Southampton University.
"The subject matter may be very different from audit work, but the scientific and mathematical elements of oceanography make for disciplined thinking I can apply to my role as a trainee accountant," said the 23-year-old, who comes from Northern Ireland and is working towards his ACA qualification.
"I always had in mind to enter accountancy and gain internationally recognised qualifications.
"At Horwath, I’m part of a 13-strong business services team where you receive hands-on support and are well mentored and supported.
"I’m constantly learning - at Horwath there’s the added advantage of operating in an off-shore environment - and already I have had the opportunity to go out and meet clients."
Manx-born Charlotte Clarke, 20, has joined the firm from Ramsey Grammar School and is now applying the analytical skills she developed studying A-level economics, history and English to her audit career:
"Despite my not having a degree, Horwath was willing to offer me a great career opportunity.
"The firm demonstrates the confidence they have in you by giving you responsibility at the start of your career, which as a 20-year-old, makes me feel valued.
"Working towards professional qualifications requires a lot of studying but the managers are very approachable. Horwath offers the advantage of working in a small team locally combined with access to the expertise of its international operations."
Jodie Bufton, 26, holds a degree in accountancy and economics from Cardiff University. As a student, she had a summer placement with Horwath to where she has now returned full-time after completing her training with a leading accountancy firm in Wales.
She said, "At Horwath, it’s stimulating to be involved in a broad scope of work, and going out on audits I’m learning how different businesses operate. Management is very supportive in helping you develop your chosen career pathway."
Hamish Hockings, 31, a former St Ninian’s High School student, holds a degree in mathematics from Nottingham University.
He has joined Horwath after working for leading accountancy firms in the British Virgin Islands and, more recently, in Montreal.
"Joining Horwath gives me the opportunity to apply and develop the skills I’ve acquired during the time I spent working in other jurisdictions and also to learn about new legislation.
"The firm’s international network means I’m able to draw on a wealth of industry experience and work with a diverse client base.
"Importantly, Horwath is supportive of its people and offers a good work/life balance."
Gillian Cunningham is the most recent member of the team, joining Horwath from an Island-based group of companies where she was responsible for the company accounts of each division.
She is a Fellow of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and has some 20 years’ accountancy experience, principally in commercial environments.
She said, "At Horwath I’m able to develop my career into new directions, supervising my team and providing a review function to some of the more complex accounts.
"Importantly, the firm is very supportive of its people, accommodating flexible working hours and, as an ACA-approved employer, actively encouraging CPD."
Lancashire-born Gillian, 41, has lived in the Isle of Man for 19 years.
Managing director Roger Barrs said, "We are pleased to welcome Charlotte, Jodie, Conor, Gillian and Hamish to the firm.
"Already they are proving to be valuable members of our audit team and are demonstrating Horwath’s signature commitment to customer satisfaction that has seen us gain such an excellent rating in this recent leading industry survey."
Pictured: (seated) Horwath Managing Director Roger Barrs, centre, with director Phaedra Bird, right, and Gillian Cunningham; (back row) Horwath Director John Cowan, centre, with, left to right, Hamish Hockings, Charlotte Clarke, Jodie Bufton and Conor McCaughan.
Photograph by Andrew Barton.
