Accountancy firm to take part in international secondment programme
Ballards LLP, an accounting firm based in Birmingham and Worcestershire, is capitalising on its position in an international network by participating in a secondment scheme.
Taking advantage of being part of AGN international, a global association of accounting and advisory firms, Ballards employees will be able practice their skills in different counties while building relationships overseas.
A Ballards team member will be travelling to Australia later this year to take part, while this month the firm is welcoming Tom Roscrow, audit and accounts senior from Ashfords Accountants in Melbourne, Australia.
Tom said: “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.
“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.
"Hotdesking has been the biggest surprise. Also, a big similarity I've seen is that in department meetings everyone from partner down to the junior would be in it.”
Andy Bewick, partner at Ballards LLP who facilitated the secondment through the firm's AGN membership, said: “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.”
Pictured (L-R): Andy Bewick and Tom Rosscow
