This month our interview is with Jonathan Carroll, Accounts Senior at our Jarrow office, who gives us an insight into his role, interests and coping with working life in 2021.
Jonathan’s role
In my client facing role I focus on the preparation of statutory and management accounts, corporation tax, VAT and Self-Assessment returns for a number of small owner-managed business and sole traders. I also act as a liaison between the staff in our Jarrow office and the partners.
What do you look forward to most when you start work each day?
My job entails working for several clients in various businesses and this variety of work, and the different personalities involved are some of the favourite parts of my role. Every day is different.
How have the events of the last year changed your way of working?
I spent the first 6 months of the Covid lockdown working from home which was challenging but I was able to adapt my working patterns to overcome these obstacles. I am now back in the office full time, but I am still finding the reduced face to face contact with clients to be a challenge, although this has been overcome to some degree with the use of technology.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I am an avid member of the National Trust and enjoy spending time exploring the local properties. I also enjoy sports and hold a season ticket at Newcastle United and attend as many Durham cricket matches as I can. Being a petrolhead I also enjoy driving in the local area, especially the countryside in Northumberland.
Top Tips for a relaxing day
My favourite way to relax is a nice walk in the Northumberland or Durham countryside followed by a pint in a cosy country pub.
Favourite Song
My musical taste is eclectic and varied, albeit with a strong country influence. If I had to pick a favourite song it would be Lonesome Day from Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising album.
Favourite Food
As I have a sweet tooth, I would have to pick a dessert probably Jam Roly Poly and I do enjoy an ice cream…
Finally
My favourite part of the world is the Scottish Highlands and in particular, the Craigmhor Lodge in Pitlochry. This is a small B&B which does award winning breakfasts. The stunning view of the Tay valley from the breakfast room remains one of my favourites.