1) Name: Victoria Morris
2) Qualifications: BSc Econ (Hons), ACA, MABRP
3) Position/Job title: Senior Manager, Business Recovery
4) How long have you worked at Chantrey Vellacott DFK? 11 years - I joined Heathcote & Coleman in 1999, we merged with Chantrey Vellacott DFK in October 2009.
5) Why did you choose to join CVDFK? I didn’t! I wanted to train with a smaller firm to ensure I received all round training. I had several offers, however, was most taken with Heathcote & Coleman as all of the staff seemed so happy and friendly. Heathcote & Coleman were part of DFK, so we had worked with CVDFK for a number of years. In 2009 we merged.
6) Describe a typical day as a ……….? No two days are the same. If we are instructed on a new case the day is very much focused on that case, possibly visiting the trading premises, speaking with the directors and employees. Otherwise it is progressing cases, by realising assets – this involves liaising with directors, agents and solicitors – and investigating the affairs of the company. There is a lot of communication, either e-mails, telephone calls or writing reports with a variety of people – creditors, employees, directors, debtors and solicitors, to name a few. As a manager I also have various administration tasks to complete e.g. review of utilisation rates, debtors and WIP.
7) What elements of your role do you enjoy most? Every day is different. A telephone call or letter can immediately change a planned day, therefore, providing variety and spontaneity. In BRD you are constantly learning, every case has a twist or problem to resolve! I also enjoy being part of a team.
8) What is the most challenging part of your job? In BRD you are not just working on one assignment at a time, you are therefore often performing a juggling act.
9) Outside of work hours, what social activities are there? Lately most of my time is spent playing with and walking our puppy. I enjoy socialising with friends and family, pilates, the gym and playing golf. I am also Clerk to a local Parish Council.
10) What training and support did you receive whilst at CVDFK? I joined Heathcote & Coleman on an ACA training contract. As a small firm there was very little in house training, however I attended Financial training where I met similar students. In 2005 I had the opportunity to attend BPP to study for my JIEB Insolvency examinations.
I regularly attend R3 (the insolvency trade body) courses and there are bi-annual training days in London for all BRD offices. The technical and training department also provide update courses in the Birmingham office in respect of Money laundering etc..
11) How would you describe your work/life balance at Chantrey Vellacott? Due to the nature of BRD work this varies. Sometimes I am only required to work standard hours, however, there are often times when we are appointed on a new job, several new jobs come in together or I have to complete a report within a statutory deadline when I am required to work longer hours.
12) What do you feel sets CVDFK apart from other firms? The staff – they are all friendly and supportive. In particular the Birmingham office really do care about each other and our clients.
13) If you were to give someone one reason to join Chantrey Vellacott DFK, what would it be? A long established, top 20 accounting firm who appear keen to expand and develop.
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