Coffee with…Jack, Alastair and Alison…

At Alexander Knight & Co, people come first. Whether it’s graduates, school-leavers, or experienced hires, the team here is passionate about helping every colleague grow in a way that works for them.

Over a coffee we sat down with three team members—Alastair, Jack, and Alison—to talk about career development, breaking down stereotypes in the accounting profession, and what makes this firm such a unique place to build your future.

From graduate to accounting professional: Alastair’s Story 

Q: Alastair, you joined us as a graduate—how would you describe your journey so far?

Alastair:

“When I graduated with a maths degree, I knew I wanted a role that would challenge me intellectually but also give me exposure to the real world of business. I didn’t want to be siloed, and I certainly didn’t want to be boxed into one narrow specialism. That’s what really stood out to me about Alexander Knight & Co.

Since I joined in 2021, I’ve worked on everything from audits and statutory accounts to corporation tax returns, personal tax and business advisory work. One day I might be supporting a client preparing for a funding round, and the next I’m involved in R&D tax credit claims or helping a small business with payroll queries. That variety is hugely stimulating and it keeps me engaged and constantly learning.

What’s great is that I’m not just ticking boxes. I get involved in meaningful conversations with clients, and I’m trusted to contribute. It’s a steep learning curve, sure, but the support is always there.”

Q: Has anything surprised you about working here?

Alastair:

“Honestly, the international element caught me off guard…in a good way. Because of our firm’s membership with MGI Worldwide, I’ve been able to attend international training events and webinars in Amsterdam, Brussels and Lisbon. That’s not something I expected so early in my career.

It’s broadened my horizons massively. You hear how other firms across Europe tackle the same issues we deal with such as different tax laws, different approaches to advisory, but often very similar challenges. That kind of exposure gives you a more strategic mindset. It’s also just brilliant to meet people, share ideas, and feel part of something bigger.”

Jack’s Journey

Q: Jack, your route into the firm was quite different. Tell us about it.
Jack:

“Yes, I actually joined the firm straight out of college. University wasn’t the path I wanted to take. I was keen to get into the world of work, start earning, and build my experience hands-on. When I joined nine years ago, I started with a really open mind and just ready to learn.

“What I found here was a workplace that treated me as more than just a trainee. From the start, I was encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and take on real responsibility. Over time, I’ve had the chance to work across every part of the business—accounts, audit, tax, payroll, you name it. That’s helped me understand how the whole machine works, and I’ve developed confidence I wouldn’t have got elsewhere.”

Q: What kind of development have you had along the way?
Jack:

“I’ve done my exams, of course, but the personal development has been just as important. I’ve taken on mentoring responsibilities, and I also organise the firm’s sporting events and socials. I love that kind of stuff. It builds morale and helps people connect.

I’ve also had the chance to be involved with our community projects such as our sponsorship of Hale Station and support for local charities, which has been incredibly rewarding. It reminds you that accountancy is about more than numbers it’s about people, businesses, and society. That perspective helps me bring more value to clients too.”

A culture of support

Q: Alison, as the firm’s HR and training specialist, what’s your philosophy on developing talent?

Alison:
“We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone who joins us brings something different to the table…different backgrounds, different ambitions, different learning styles. Our job is to create an environment where they can all thrive.

We tailor career development to the individual. That means regular one-to-one support, mentoring, and exposure to the kind of work that aligns with their interests and strengths. It’s not just about technical skill-building—it’s about growing confident, well-rounded professionals who understand the value of what they do.

Whether someone joins us from university, like Alastair, or starts as a school-leaver, like Jack, we take time to understand what drives them. That’s what sets us apart.”

Q: How do you challenge the stereotype of the ‘boring accounting job’?
Alison:

“I actually love that question—it comes up a lot when we talk to younger candidates.

The reality is that this job is full of variety and problem-solving. No two days are the same. One moment you’re helping a footballer navigate tax legislation, the next you’re advising the  CEO of a £30m turnover business on expansion plans or sitting in on a strategic meeting. It’s fast-paced, it’s high-trust, and it’s deeply human.

And culturally, we’re nothing like the stiff stereotype. We’re relaxed, we communicate openly, and we genuinely care about each other’s wellbeing. People here work hard, but we also make time to laugh, to connect, and to celebrate wins.”

Learning by osmosis

Q: What’s it like learning in a smaller, collaborative environment?

Jack:

“It’s huge. You’re constantly overhearing conversations between colleagues, clients and other professional advisers. You pick up knowledge just by being present. That’s something you don’t get in a big corporate structure where you’re tucked away in a department. Here, you learn by osmosis.

The senior team involves us in discussions. You’re asked what you think, not just told what to do. That builds confidence.”

Alastair:

“Exactly. Murray, our founder, is always open to questions. I’ve picked up so much just from hearing how he talks to clients—how he frames advice, how he makes the complex understandable. That’s a masterclass you don’t get in a textbook.”

Beyond numbers

Q: How do you balance professional growth with personal development?

Alastair:
“We’re encouraged to take initiative, not just with clients but in our own development. The international conferences I’ve attended have been massive for personal growth. You gain confidence, you improve your communication, and you start thinking bigger.”

Jack:
“For me, being involved in organising internal events and helping with local initiatives has been key. It’s those ‘non-core’ experiences that help you build leadership skills, project management skills, and emotional intelligence. And the firm actively supports that kind of growth.”

Challenging the workaholic myth

Q: Do you feel pressure to burn the candle at both ends?

Alastair:
“Not at all. We’re trusted to manage our time, and that’s respected. The culture is more about working smart, not just working long. I’ve never felt pressured to stay late for the sake of appearances.”

Jack:
“Yeah, and if someone’s struggling or overwhelmed, people step in. There’s a strong sense of team here. We want each other to succeed—and stay sane doing it.”

A final word to future talent

Q: What would you say to someone considering applying here?

Jack:
“If you want to be challenged, supported, and genuinely enjoy coming to work this is the place. It’s not just a stepping stone. It’s somewhere you can build a real career.”

Alastair:
“Don’t assume accounting is just crunching numbers behind a screen. It’s so much broader. This is a job where you get to solve problems, advise real businesses, and develop constantly.”

Alison:
“Come and meet us. Talk to people here. I think you’ll see straight away we’re not just an accounting firm. We’re a place where people are valued and careers are made.”

Inspired? Your journey could start here.
At Alexander Knight & Co, we don’t just develop accountants…we develop people.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your career, this is a place where you’ll be seen, supported, and challenged.

Join us. Your future is waiting. You can view our latest career opportunities here.