Reading time: 3 minsPollyanna Blythe | Assistant Manager
Pollyanna shares her experience as an Assistant Manager at S&W.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role
I am an assistant manager in the business outsourcing (BOS) team in Salisbury. I started as a graduate in 2022 and recently qualified. The clients I work with are all charities, so my work involves annual accounts preparation, independent examinations of the accounts, assisting with audit and submitting annual returns on behalf of our charity clients. I’m also actively involved in business development to help grow our charity client base, and this involves hosting workshops and events for prospective clients in various offices around the country.
Why did you choose Business Outsourcing and what do you enjoy most about working there?
I chose to work in Salisbury because it’s where I grew up, and after graduating from university, I decided to return home and look for graduate schemes in the area. I was particularly drawn to the BOS team because of its diverse client base and the opportunity to work on a broad portfolio, which I knew would provide valuable experience and professional development.
What motivated you to join S&W?
I was motivated to join S&W because of the opportunity to complete my professional qualification alongside my work, and the support that they offered to do that.
What is the working culture like at S&W?
The working culture at S&W is positive and inclusive, which makes coming into the office something I genuinely look forward to. I enjoy catching up with colleagues and appreciate the strong sense of support within the team. Whenever I’ve had a question or felt under pressure, there has always been someone willing to help.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Most of my day is focused on accounts preparation, which often involves regular client communication to resolve any queries. This is something I enjoy as it helps build strong client relationships. I will also typically attend a team meeting or catch-up with colleagues from other departments, such as tax, to update them on job progress. In addition to this, I may do some work on projects like planning a business development event or training session, and I also assist with training and helping new joiners.
Why would you recommend S&W as a great place to work?
S&W is a great place to work because it offers the flexibility to shape and develop your career in line with your interests and goals. I’ve had the opportunity to tailor my client portfolio to focus on the areas I enjoy most and the firm actively encourages open conversations about career aspirations. There is always support to grow professionally and the freedom to explore new opportunities, which I believe sets S&W apart from other firms.
What advice would you give someone considering applying?
My advice is to be your authentic self and, if you’re interested in applying, go for it! A background in finance isn’t essential, I studied biochemistry at university and had no prior accounting experience. What really matters is showing genuine interest in your chosen area and a willingness to learn and develop, as that will really help you in your career at S&W.
Anything else you'd like to add?
During school and university, I had no idea of what career path I wanted to pursue. When applying for jobs, I focused instead on identifying the skills and attributes I had and finding roles that would allow me to use and develop them. S&W has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Despite not coming from an accounting background, I’ve gained far more than just technical knowledge, I’ve developed transferable skills that will support me throughout my career.