About me

• Retired, USA
• Studied: BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, 1984

About my career

I chose to study at Manchester Met because it offered me the perfect mix of courses, as I was looking to start a career in accounting. The course materials were exactly what was needed for the next step in my career, which was the Chartered Accounting exams. After graduation I started working at a Chartered Accounting firm as an associate, working in the audit practice.

I was in PwC’s Capital Markets Accounting Advisory Services group in the US. I have served both public companies and growth-oriented private businesses. I have diverse experience in addressing the accounting and auditing matters impacting manufacturers, as well as the intangible valuation issues impacting branded products companies. I have been the partner for automotive suppliers, chemical, portfolio companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, private equity and packaged food companies. My responsibilities have encompassed both multinational engagements, as well as assisting small cap and private equity clients with raising capital as well as business combinations.

In addition, I have experience with carve-out and collateral audits including the complexities pertaining to the allocation of assets/debt and Corporate items. As a result of my experiences, I was on tour in the PwC’s Accounting Services Group, where I specialized in business combinations. I have had international experience in England, Ireland, Italy and the Caribbean prior to moving to the United States.

Many of the skills that I gained at Manchester Met have been useful in my career - presentation skills, understanding and solving complex issues. Since graduating, I have continued my professional development by gaining various qualifications, including Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and Certified Public Accountant (USA).

I am now retired and serve on the Board of Governors at Manchester Met and other organisations in the USA. Manchester Met’s First Generation Scholarship Programme is a great example of helping others which is also something that has been a key driver for me.

My top tip for students

Stay on top of developments in the marketplace and how your skillsets can fit in. In the current environment, digital skillsets, AI, data analytics are key skills and even at this stage in my career understanding and learning what we can do in this space has been instrumental in significant client proposals my firm has been successful in.

I’m inspired by

I am inspired by the ability to continually gain new experiences and learnings.

Why I love Manchester Met

The broad spectrum of activities offered both in the classroom and extra-curricular.

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