THE CLIENT
The organisation Saffery Champness is one of the UK’s top 20 accountancy practices with a network of nine offices in the UK plus offices in Guernsey, Geneva and Zurich. With 68 UK partners and approximately 500 employees, they are recognised as one of the UK’s leading firms of private client advisers, specialising in providing advice to a broad range of individuals, their families, businesses and wider interests. The sectors in which they operate include; private wealth; owner-managed businesses; landed estates and rural businesses; sports and entertainment; not-for-profit organisations; corporate finance and professional firms and consulting businesses.
THE CHALLENGE
Peter Hackleton is the private client partner for Saffery Champness, who required a Personal Tax Semi-Senior who had experience in preparing tax returns for individuals, was capable of working efficiently unsupervised and had relevant experience in a general practice firm preferably in a Top 20 firm environment.
OUR SOLUTION
Prior to receiving this job opportunity from Saffery Champness, Pro-Tax had already met face-to-face with Paula Whyte, the HR Manager, to understand the private client team in more detail, growth plans and the culture of the firm. Subsequent to the meeting, we were confidently able to source candidates, advertise for the role, screen CVs and understand each candidate’s motivation for working at Saffery Champness.
THE RESULT
Pro-Tax submitted 4 candidates to Saffery Champness of which 2 were called for 1st stage interviews. We managed all interview arrangements including managing diaries and ensuring sufficient preparation for both candidate and client. After a two-stage interview process, Saffery Champness felt assured that one of our candidates was the best candidate for the position. As such, they offered, and the candidate accepted moving out of the Top 10 to work for Saffery Champness.
FOLLOW UP
Feedback from both parties has been positive. The candidate is very happy to be working in a supportive environment where he can develop his career further by being responsible for his own portfolio of high net worth private clients, is involved in the preparation of tax returns and tax computations, in addition to having his studies supported by the firm. As a result of this first initial placement for Saffery Champness, we have received numerous job opportunities working with various partners within the firm and continue to act as an arm for the Saffery Champness brand. "I can only commend Pro-Tax for the work that they put in finding me a suitable employer and job. They were able to fit me with a job that really met the criteria that I set out. The whole process went smoothly as they coached me through the interview and application process and ensured I was more than well equipped for the questions that would be thrown at me. They were very hardworking throughout and as a result, the process was very quick. I would definitely recommend Pro-Tax to anyone looking to be placed somewhere that suits their needs." - Osneil Drakes, Personal Tax Semi-Senior at Saffery Champness.
