Before leaving school I decided that I wanted to become an Accountant.  Reed & Co a very small 2 partner practice had an opening for a trainee which enabled me to work and study at the same time.  This was ideal for my first year of studying, but the position became more secretarial based and I needed a new challenge.  I then joined BDO Stoy Hayward,  a top ten firm based in the Chelmsford office working in the Business Services Department.  My role included preparing accounts, management accounts, tax returns, payroll and VAT returns for sole traders, partnerships and smaller limited companies, along with auditing smaller limited companies.  I qualified as an Chartered Certified Accountant in 2001. After this I spent a period of time in the tax department where I gained valuable experience dealing with more complex tax issues.   

 

My career progression then led me to another top 10 firm Baker Tilly, based in the Chelmsford Office where I was one of two managers heading up the Accounting Services Department.  The client base was anything from individual hairdressers, farmers, construction, to large groups.  My role was not only to manage client expectations and run the department, but also to report to 7 different partners and manage their expectations too.

 

In 2008, after 6 months travelling I decided to set up my own practice working from home, my client base was predominantly previous clients. The business has expanded over the years without advertising and has led me to the new challenge which is Westgate Accounting Limited where the intention is to grow the business further with my husbands expertise.

 

Outside of work my young family keep me busy and my other passion is to try and keep myself fit and healthy with running, cycling and swimming.

 

- 1994 - 1995 Reed & Co Chartered Accountants Brentwood

 

- 1995 - 2002 BDO Stoy Hayward Chartered Accountants Chelmsford

 

- 2002 - 2008 Baker Tilly Chartered Accountants Chelmsford

 

- 2008 - 2014 Melanie Clarke Accounting Sole Practitioner