In our latest meet the team blog, we interviewed one of our directors, Amanda Stefanetti, to learn more about what it’s like to work at Clayton & Brewill and how her role has changed since she joined the firm almost 15 years ago.
What drew you to a career in accountancy?
While at university, I obtained a degree in Information Management and Computing. However, I very quickly realised that, while I loved working with data and numbers, a career in IT was not something I was interested in pursuing. From then I turned my focus to accounting, which felt like a much better fit. I obtained my ACA qualification at Newby Castleman before joining Clayton & Brewill in December 2008 – and I haven’t looked back since!
What does an average day at work look like for you?
As a director at Clayton & Brewill, no two days are ever the same. I spend a lot of time focused on management accounts for the firm’s larger limited company clients, assisting them with accounts preparation, VAT returns, and company and personal tax returns. I also prepare end of year accounts, P11Ds and cashflow forecasts.
What is your favourite thing about your role?
I would have to say that my favourite thing about working at Clayton & Brewill is building lasting and trusting relationships with clients. It is incredibly rewarding to see the ways in which we can support our clients and help different aspects of their businesses to thrive.
If you had to describe the Clayton & Brewill team in three words, what would they be?
I would say friendly, hardworking, and approachable.
How has you career developed since you started in 2008?
I initially joined the firm as an Accounts/Audit Senior and was then promoted to Head of Audit in 2015. When I returned from maternity leave, I began focusing on management accounts for the firm’s larger clients and was subsequently promoted to director in April 2023.
What challenges do you think the sector is facing at the moment?
The implementation of Making Tax Digital (MTD) is both a challenge and an opportunity within the finance sector.
MTD is HMRC’s ongoing effort to modernise and simplify the tax system, by moving to a digital system. All taxpayers will have access to a secure digital tax account, which will allow them to interact more easily with HMRC.
We are in the process of supporting our clients to ensure that they are compliant with MTD. As with any change, it can feel challenging, but the team at Clayton & Brewill is always ready to support our clients in any way that we can.
What advice would you give to any accountants starting out in their career?
My main piece of advice would be to have patience and perseverance. Obtaining trust from a client is not something that will happen straight away – it is built gradually over time as you continue to demonstrate your value to them. But if you are patient and persevere, you will be rewarded with a long-lasting and trusting relationship.
