Meet the team: Rachel Millard – Audit & Accounts Manager
Following on from International Women’s Day yesterday, we’d like to introduce our Audit & Accounts Manager, Rachel Millard. Get to know Rachel, from her role in the Audit & Accounts department to her time on set at Hollyoaks and Grange Hill!
1. Firstly, tell us a little about your role and what you do at Alexander & Co
I work in the Audit and Accounts department here at Alexander & Co.
I work with a variety of clients from start-ups, to groups with over £100million turnover, representing numerous sectors including software development, manufacturing, and wholesale.
2. Why accounting/tax?
I studied Maths and Chemistry at University and although when I left, I had no idea what I wanted to do, I knew it would be more focused on the Maths side of my degree than the Chemistry side. Now this is a true story…I remember googling ‘jobs you can do with a Maths degree’ and, low and behold, one of the first options that came up was an Accountant. I then googled ‘Accountancy firms in Manchester’ and the first option that came up was Alexander & Co! Some may call it lazy, but after almost seven years of working here, I call it fate!
3. Tell us a little more about the work you do
On the audit side of my job, I am responsible for managing a team of colleagues in completing statutory audits for clients. The purpose of our work is to form an independent opinion on whether the information presented in the statutory accounts give a true and fair view of the company.
On the accounts side of my job, I am responsible for preparing annual unaudited statutory accounts and Corporation Tax returns for my clients, as well as quarterly VAT returns. I also work with start-up businesses; helping them to navigate the admin that comes with setting up a company.
4. Has your work led you to any far-away places, interesting occurrences or unusual episodes?
I had a trip over to the Czech Republic as part of my audit work for a client. The company we were auditing had a subsidiary company over there, so I went to meet their local auditors and complete some other audit testing… I managed to squeeze in a bit of time for some sightseeing and a beer or two though!
5. If you could give a business only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be organised – don’t leave everything until the last minute!
6. If you were not an accountant, what would you choose to be?
Probably something beginning with B if my googling is anything to go by…
Jokes aside, I think I would have fallen into teaching…I have had some brilliant teachers over the years who have really inspired me, and I guess I would have liked to try and replicate that if I could!
7. What do you enjoy outside of work? – anything that might surprise us?
I really enjoy running, I have managed to complete a few half marathons over the last couple of years, but I’ve never quite managed the full marathon… maybe one day!
A bit generic, but I also love trying new places to eat out! I hate cooking so I really don’t need much persuasion to go out for food and drinks!
8. Tell us one interesting thing about yourself
I was once an extra on Hollyoaks and Grange Hill!
Autographs are available upon request…
9. Travel – home or away? City or beach? Where have you been most happy?
Away – I love going on holiday and exploring new places. I have been lucky enough to visit some amazing countries, but I think my favourite must be Japan. I spent two weeks there a few years ago, travelling all around the country on bullet trains and eating my body weight in sushi and ramen!
10. What are your three desert island discs?
- The colour in anything – James Blake
- Currents – Tame Impala
- Young Blood – Saint Raymond
11. Do you have a favourite quote?
‘Everything happens for a reason’. Good or bad, I truly believe it.
12. If you have one guilty pleasure, what it is?
Chess! I just love the logic of the game. I go to a Chess club in Manchester when there isn’t a global pandemic going on…
13. What are you most looking forward to enjoying (outside of work) in 2021 and beyond?
At the moment, I’m looking forward to anything other than a socially distanced walk!
My plan for the rest of 2021 is to say yes to as much as I can! Holidays, new restaurants, new hobbies – yes please!!
14. One piece of advice you would give your younger self
Just always be yourself – don’t worry about what other people think of you!
A special thanks to Rachel for taking part in our meet the team series. If you missed our previous post, get to know our Private Client Tax Manager, Matt Stambach.