Staff stories
Accountancy careers with ambition. Hear from our people on what it’s like to work here.
Jack Holmes
Jack is in the early part of his career having joined Bush & Co in September 2018.
I gained 3 A levels in Maths, Economics and Product Design. Having researched careers, it was the financial industry which attracted me and the benefits of training on the job in accountancy was a major factor in deciding to pursue this career. Accountancy can open doorways to many different jobs in business.
Why Bush: I liked the idea of a smaller, independent practice which provides bespoke client care. I find that everyone here is incredibly approachable and I get to work with a wide variety of clients across many different sectors. Everyone really cares about the service we offer.
Support: there is a well-defined career and study path which allowed me to qualify in AAT and then progress to my chartering with the ACA qualification. I have excellent study support from our tuition providers and from all members of the team as I learn the skills required to become a chartered accountant. My manager supports me on a daily basis and that has been invaluable to my learning experience.
Work and play: rather than knowing just one team, the social element of Bush & Co has allowed me to connect with the whole office and we make the most of our central Exeter location. The pandemic brought about an agile working policy which has been a great contribution to my work life balance.
Little known fact: I have a twin sister!
Luke Harris
Newly qualified Luke recently worked towards his final exams to achieve the ACCA qualification.
During my GCSE year we had to choose a work experience placement. I went to work with a local firm of accountants where I got to experience preparing accounts alongside other junior projects. I loved the nature of the problem solving and the opportunities that it would afford. I am absolutely delighted to have recently gained my ACCA qualification and realise my ambition of becoming a chartered accountant.
Why Bush: I joined 6 years ago and immediately liked the feel of such a close knit team. Bush is a good size firm. It is big enough to feel that I am learning from many different experts working with many clients but small enough that I feel like I am making a real impact. The team here is committed to clients and also to each other.
Support: the training is a key part of why I joined Bush. I gained my AAT and ACCA qualifications through a mixture of online and off-site training and the dedicated training pathway has allowed me to study whilst gaining valuable experience. My ambition is to be made a manager and lead my own team.
Work and play: There is a work hard, play hard mentality here which I really enjoy. Living in beautiful Devon and enjoying the benefits of a forward thinking and innovative accountancy firm really suits me.
Little known fact: I was in the GB under 16 water polo squad.
Angela Wych
Chartered Tax Adviser Angela recently joined Bush & Co having worked in the accountancy world for 25 years.
Having been brought up on a dairy farm, I knew I wanted to stay in the farming sector. After leaving college I joined an accountancy firm which specialised in agriculture. I was given on the job training while studying towards my ACCA qualification and becoming a Chartered Tax Advisor. The result is that my clients get to talk farming to a farmer’s daughter, who has the experience and technical knowledge to optimise their business and tax affairs.
Why Bush: After spending almost 20 years helping to grow an accountancy firm from 4 to 100 staff, I wanted to take the opportunity to work in a more client centred environment. After speaking to the partners, their passion for client service was evident. My current role gives me the opportunity to grow my own client base while helping Bush & Co as they continue to grow.
Support: I am focused on building and developing Bush & Co. I have 25 years experience of growing a practice, building teams, developing staff and enhancing client services.
Work and play: With bringing up a young family there is never a dull moment. Bush & Co has been fantastic at understanding that I can offer them far more in a part-time hybrid working role, as opposed to being full-time office based. I am also very fortunate to have a husband and children who all have the same thirst for sport, so they fully understand my need to get on the hockey pitch at every opportunity!
Little known fact: I have metal plates in my jaw… one of many hockey injuries!