What is your role and how long have you been at Moore Kingston Smith?
I joined Moore Kingston Smith in September 2020 and have since completed my training contract, progressing to the role of Assistant Manager. I’m based in the City office, working in our general practice team with a focus on financial services clients.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey to date?
I studied Accounting and Finance at the University of Leicester, graduating in 2020. Shortly after, I joined the ACA Graduate Scheme at MKS. After qualifying, I had the opportunity to go on secondment to Moore Markhams in Auckland, New Zealand, where I spent four months working. I then took three months to travel through South East Asia before returning to London to continue my career with MKS.
What would a ‘normal’ day look like for someone in your role?
My day-to-day involves a mix of project management, coaching, and reviewing audit files. I oversee audit teams and take responsibility for delivering audit work to the partner. A great part of the role is working with different people across a range of clients and industries, which keeps things varied and interesting.
What inspired you to apply for this role/this company?
I wanted to grow my career by gaining both a professional qualification and practical experience. What set MKS apart from other firms was the genuine focus on employee development and the supportive work/study balance. It was clear early on that the firm really invests in its people.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for a role at MKS? What would you have liked to know before starting your role?
As cliché as it sounds—just be yourself. It’s important that you’re not only a good fit for the firm but that the firm is a good fit for you. Culture and working environment make a huge difference, and that’s an area where MKS really excels.
One of the things I really value at MKS is the focus on building a strong social and community culture alongside our day-to-day work. There’s a packed calendar of firm-wide events—some of my highlights include the Summer Ball, Sports Week, and playing in a football match on the Leyton Orient pitch.
In 2024, I also set up the MKS Run Club, which has grown into a regular activity for people across the firm. We’ve even taken part in a charity runs together to raise money, which has been a really rewarding experience both personally and as a team.
In addition to that, there are regular sports clubs—such as football, that anyone can join, helping to build friendships and keep active. Each team also tends to organise their own social events throughout the year, whether it’s dinners, pub quizzes, or casual drinks after work. These moments outside of client work really help you feel connected and part of the wider MKS community.
How have you found studying toward a professional qualification?
It was definitely challenging, but also very rewarding. It’s not just about the letters after your name—it’s about the shared experience of going through the journey with your cohort and the support system that comes with that.
What development opportunities have you had since joining MKS?
One of the most valuable aspects of working here is the trust and responsibility you’re given early on. I’ve had the opportunity to lead training sessions for new trainees, which has helped build my confidence in presenting and leadership. It's also inspiring to see so many of the current partners having trained at MKS—it shows there’s a real pathway for progression.