David Alexander ICPA
CHAIRMAN
What drew you to accountancy and what do you enjoy most about your role at the firm?
At school and through college I was good with figures. It was a natural progression to train as an accountant. I have always enjoyed looking beyond the figures and helping clients, as well as helping to develop those I work with.
Is there a professional achievement or qualification you are particularly proud of?
My greatest achievement is building the business from an idea into a multi-partner practice, whilst still remembering to put the clients and other stakeholders first.
Outside of work, what hobbies or interests keep you busy?
I mainly like gardening and to be active in the outdoors, together with having an interest in wildlife. Over the years this was primarily walking, caving and climbing in the UK and abroad. As the years have gone by the level of activities have needed to be toned down, but this has seen an increase in more leisurely travel. We have usually had dogs and currently have the best so far, a well-trained border collie that is a pleasure to walk with.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their career with Alexander Accountancy, what would it be?
Two connected pieces of advice would be to buy into the culture and enjoy it. Plus be clear about what level you want to work at. We don’t do glass ceilings or set limits but be sure you aim at where you want to be, not just at getting higher up because that seems a good idea and you think it is what other people expect.
What’s something that might surprise people about you or your background?
It could be that I have summited Kilimanjaro three times, or perhaps that I have been within a few feet of lions and other animals in Africa without anything between us. Or it could be being in the water with sharks in the Galapagos.
What’s your vision for Alexander Accountancy’s growth and how do you see the business adapting to meet our clients’ evolving needs?
The initial plan was to grow a three-partner practice, where I was not one of those partners. Now the ambition is to double our current size using the latest technology without losing our core values.
How do you ensure your team delivers exceptional client service?
We spend more time with our clients than other multi-partner practices do. We listen to them and provide them with the solutions and services they want and need, rather than trying to fit them into pre-prescribed boxes.
What sets Alexander Accountancy’s approach apart from other accountancy firms?
We still offer an old-fashioned personal service. We make ourselves available and easy to contact, as evidenced by all the directors personal contact details being shared on the website.
Any other information to share?
People don’t just have to take our word for how good we are. They can meet us at various events, talk to our clients and contacts, we even do a property event where the first visit is paid for by Alexander Accountancy. We also offer a free meeting to all new enquiries where we offer real advice without any commitment to sign up with us. It is almost a try before you buy opportunity.
david@alexander-accountancy.co.uk
07591 652589