Continuing our Spotlight series of interviews with the people at the heart of Hazlewoods, here we catch up with Sadik Karim, Director in the Tax team.
What is your background, before you started your career?
I studied Mathematics at Queen Mary University in London. After graduating I completed my masters in Mathematics and Statistics which put me in good stead for a career in finance.
How did your career with Hazlewoods start and evolve?
I joined Hazlewoods in November 2023, being aligned to the firm’s vision to grow its VAT offering and support in various sectors. Hazlewood’s top 30 status meant that its clientele would range from large, medium and small enterprises allowing for my skillset and experience to be utilised across the different industries and clients.
What is your current role at Hazlewoods and who are your clients?
As I am the VAT Director at Hazlewoods, I oversee VAT matters for various industries and sectors. My focus is on supporting clients reach an optimal VAT position through advising on various VAT matters. Further, my role entails corresponding with HMRC on behalf of our clients in matters of disputes and ensuring compliance requirements are met. My clients sit in various industries including the not-for-profit sector, education, health and legal.
What is different about working at Hazlewoods?
I have been pleasantly surprised by the breadth of services we provide at Hazlewoods and the diversity of talent and experience within the firm. It has a bespoke feel to it working here yet the longer-term vision and execution is that of a top tier firm which is rare in this industry!
If you weren’t doing your current role, what other profession would you have considered?
Teacher. I’ve always had a desire to support others through my knowledge and experiences. Teaching certainly would have been a natural career path for me given the extra-curricular activities I undertook in my younger days.
