Team Spotlight - Sam Briscoe

We are one of the leading and trusted accountancy firm in the West Midlands with over 180 years’ experience in providing honest and reliable services to small and medium sized businesses. We pride in providing an excellent service from inception to completion. The core of our team is the homegrown talent nourished to help SME businesses make informed decision to unlock their potential.

 One such rising star of our team is Sam Briscoe. He has learnt a lot of new skills by working in our accountancy services department and passing his AAT exams. He is now working in the audit and year end accounts department and studying ACA. Since starting in September 2017, Sam has been a trusted and reliable employee who has increased his knowledge and impressed the senior management with his attitude to work and his desire to gain new skills. Above all, he is seen as a dependable employee and motivation for Junior staff.

We sat down with him last week and asked him a few questions about his journey and how he has found it rewarding, working at BSN accountants………..

What has your experience been with our company culture?

The social aspect of BSN is great to be involved in but the guidance I have received on a day-to-day basis has been key to my development. As busy as everybody is, they always take the time to help me out when I need it.

What is your team like?

One of my favourite parts of BSN is the team – we all get on quite well and our team socials are always quite memorable! In the office, everyone is a team player and we all help each other where we can. It’s a nice atmosphere to work in.

What are some things you’ve noticed about our leadership team?

The managers and directors are very good at their job. There’s nothing they can’t help with and they always find the time, even when they are super busy!

What parts of our mission do you connect with?

The growth of BSN will create room for internal progression and promotional opportunities. As an ambitious person, it’s the perfect fit for me, knowing that as I develop my skills and want to advance my career, BSN is working tirelessly to provide us with those opportunities.

What have been your biggest accomplishments on our team?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one particular accomplishment but I’ve been able to pass all of my exams so far without any re-sits which I’m proud of.

From starting in 2017 to now, I have gone from asking what an invoice was and being scared to pick up the phone to now preparing a set of year-end or management accounts from scratch and having my own portfolio of clients, for whom I am the direct point of contact. I feel so much more confident in both my communication skills and my accounting knowledge which is only continuing to develop each day.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?

Seeing the directors and managers who started out as I did – in the bookkeeping department. I’m on the same path as they are and they are now in the roles which I aspire to be in later on in my career. Seeing them in those positions exemplifies the realistic possibility of achieving my ambitious goals in my career.

What kinds of resources have you taken advantage of while on our team?

The knowledge of the managers and directors is priceless really – they can always either answer your query or tell you where you can find the answer.

What’s the most unique part about working here?

The direct contact with clients is great. We are usually liaising directly with the company owners who really care about their business.

We also get to experience a variety of work as our various departments provide a multitude of services. I have been able to obtain experience in different departments which is allowing me to obtain a well-rounded skillset and knowledge of an accountant. Once I am qualified, I will use all of this experience to decide which area/department I like the most and would like to work in for the rest of my career.

Study support at BSN is great. There isn’t too much pressure put on us (except for the pressure I put on myself). And there is always somebody who has sat the exams which I’m about to sit so they can share their notes and any pointers/tips.

How have you grown professionally while on our team?

I’ve matured a lot since being part of the BSN team. I’ve always been pushed and given the opportunities to take on more responsibility such as dealing with my own portfolio of clients. I’ve received excellent guidance and support so far and it’s one of the main reasons why I wouldn’t want to work for another employer – I can’t be certain I would receive the same level of support which I feel is crucial for my development.