People are the essence of the Hazlewoods Legal Team and, in this series, we strive to get to know more about them. The next person in our series is Mike Ingmire, Tax Director.
How did your career with Hazlewoods start and evolve?
I joined as a trainee fresh out of college at the tender age of 18 (and with a full head of hair!). I completed all of my training with the firm (AAT, ACA, CTA) and gained a huge amount of experience in all areas of accountancy, progressing from trainee to tax manager. I was with Hazlewoods for 10 and a half years before leaving to pursue an opportunity elsewhere, then returned five years later as a senior tax manager in the Legal team.
What drew you to Hazlewoods originally and how has the firm changed since?
Stereotypically, a flair for maths saw me choose accountancy. I’d decided not to go to university but didn’t want to completely give up on studying, so the opportunity to join as a trainee and study for accountancy exams whilst working was really appealing. The firm felt quite big when I started (already the largest accountancy practice in the county) and the growth since then has been remarkable, but Hazlewoods has never strayed from its ethos of investing in trainees and shaping their future careers.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I’m able to focus on what I’m good at and play to my strengths, the work is very varied, and I never stop learning.
What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?
A typical day will see me providing practical advice to clients on how to manage their tax affairs efficiently, researching technical tax issues and presenting them in an understandable way, and supporting colleagues with whatever is challenging them that day, often acting as a sounding board.
What has been your greatest achievement to date?
Passing exams is always pleasing, but passing the CTA exams on the first attempt felt like a real achievement.
What is something new you learned in the last week?
The firm has grown so much that the current number of trainees today is almost the same as the total number of employees in 2001!
What do you enjoy about the office locations?
I’ve had the chance to work at Staverton Court and Windsor House, and they both have their benefits. Staverton Court is set in tranquil surroundings, whereas Windsor House has Cheltenham on its doorstep.
What is the best advice you can give to someone just starting out in their career?
Absorb as much information as you can from others and don’t be afraid to ask “Why?”, make sure you understand the information you’re being given or the task you’re being asked to perform, and if you’re studying, put the hours in as short-term pain will be long-term gain!
Do you have a favourite quote or motto?
I like the message of the Serenity Prayer, because it’s a good reminder to focus your energies where you can make a difference and not fret over the things you can’t change.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I like to travel as much as possible and visit new places; I try to fit in a few overseas trips each year. I love snowboarding so an annual trip to the alps is a priority.
