Technical and Training Director - Joanna Sales 

 1) Name: Joanna Sales

2) Qualifications:

ACA BSC CISA PGCHPE DipM (I am one of those strange people who like exams!)

3) Position/Job title:

Technical & Training Director. I joined CV as a manager and was promoted to Director after three years

4) How long have you worked at Chantrey Vellacott DFK?

I joined early 2007

5) Why did you choose to join CVDFK?

I was considering 3 job offers but accepted CV’s as the people I met through the interview process were so genuine and seemed of a similar character to myself

6) Describe a typical day as a ……….?

I really don’t have a typical day which is what I enjoy about my work.  One day I will be looking at some meaty accounting issues, on another day leading a course (auditing, budgeting or double entry) and on another day developing the firm’s policies and procedures. I also get involved in writing the firm’s auditing software, coaching staff or building client relationships.

7) What elements of your role do you enjoy most?

I enjoy all my roles but particularly enjoy interacting with people and seeing colleagues develop and succeed.

8) What is the most challenging part of your job?

‘Keeping all the balls in the air’ and managing all the demands on my time is a     challenging and sometimes frustrating task. Luckily I have an extremely supportive team who are always willing to ‘play ball’!

9) Outside of work hours, what social activities are there?

I don't think a week goes by without there being some social work event going on, these include a relaxing drink after work, bowling, quiz nights, treasure hunts, bingo, virtual golf and dog racing to name a few.  To be honest I don't make them all but I make sure I never miss the firm wide summer party.  My favourite was the bond themed one on the Thames.  The speed boat ride in a cocktail dress was quite an interesting experience.

10) What training and support did you receive whilst at CVDFK?

I joined as a manager so the training wasn’t really an issue but I had returned from a couple of years of travelling so the support I received to get me up to speed in my new role was really important.   I really appreciated that I was given challenging projects to get stuck into but with guidance never too far away. Throughout my career with CV the training I have wanted has been provided whenever I have requested it and I have felt completely supported but not suffocated; I think it is a hard balance to get right but empowering when it works.

11) How would you describe your work/life balance at Chantrey Vellacott?

Chantrey Vellacott take work life balance seriously. My initial training with a larger accountancy firm had caused me to develop the bad habit of working very long hours.  When I first started I remember my boss at CV standing over me to check if I was packing up to go home! I now realise I am much more effective doing a shorter day with more ‘re-charging’ time.

12) What do you feel sets CVDFK apart from other firms?

The people – I am involved in the recruitment so I am a little biased but our people really do care about the clients and each other. CV also has a fun culture; I don’t think a day goes by without sharing a laugh with someone.

13) If you were to give someone one reason to join Chantrey Vellacott DFK, what would it be?

I think our training is second to none – I maybe biased because I do some of our training but a few students have moved on to other firms and have subsequently contacted me to say how good it was to be a student at CV.

 

 

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