In recent times there has been a shift in employees wanting to advance in their careers and have employee benefits that suit their lifestyle. But a West Midlands accounting firm is going the extra mile.

Ballards LLP, a leading accounting firm based in Birmingham and Worcestershire, is taking part in a reciprocal international secondment programme by capitalising on being part of AGN international, a global association of accounting and advisory firms. 

This fantastic perk means employees can practice their skills in different counties while building relationships overseas. The knowledge and connections this brings will also help Ballards LLP meet the needs of clients that are part of international groups, a growing area for the firm. 

A Ballards LLP team member will be travelling to Australia later this year to take part, while this month Ballards is hosting for the first time. Tom Roscrow, Audit and Accounts Senior from Ashfords Accountants in Melbourne, Australia, has been actively integrating with the UK firm to gain international experience and bring fresh ideas back to his home firm. He’s also noting cultural similarities and differences between accounting practices in both countries.

Tom said

“being able to see how other firms approach their work, the environments they create within their teams and the workplace gives me a different point of view. The culture is very similar to the UK, especially the team dynamics that everyone is trying to create. Inclusiveness, open communication from top to bottom. Two of the company key values are the same as ours." 

Tom observed that despite being on opposite sides of the world, the workplace cultures share remarkable similarities but there are some differences.

"Hotdesking has been the biggest surprise. The managers and partners back in Australia have their own offices, though it's still open plan with an open-door policy. Another noted similarity I've seen is that in department meetings everyone from partner down to the junior would be in it.”

But the secondment offers more than just work insights.

“I've never been to Europe before, so being able to travel and work at the same time was a strong factor in taking this opportunity. Plus, the weather is something I'd known about and was welcoming the change due to me hating the heat!”

added Tom.  

Tom hopes to bring back insights on technology adoption to his Australian team and is focused on developing his understanding of how different firms and teams approach their engagements, including navigation of applicable regulations and standards.

Andy Bewick, Partner at Ballards LLP who facilitated the secondment through the firm's AGN membership, commented:

"International secondments like Tom's are invaluable for both organisations. They create a cross-pollination of ideas and practices that strengthens our global association while providing talented professionals with broader career development opportunities. Tom has brought a fresh perspective to our team, and we're confident he'll return to Melbourne with insights that will benefit Ashfords. This exchange exemplifies our commitment to our employees, our vast offering to clients and the collaborative spirit which is at the heart of our AGN membership."

This international exchange remains central to AGN's commitment to professional growth, fostering cross-border knowledge sharing and strengthening relationships between member firms worldwide.

https://ballardsllp.com/