A Midlands-based tax specialist is looking to juggle a new career after landing a job at a leading firm of chartered accountants.
Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O), which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, has appointed Jane Deeks as a VAT consultant at the firm.
Jane, whose family come from a fairground background and whose parents are members of the Showman’s Guild of Great Britain, decided to leave the fairground fraternity in order to complete her education.
Despite having no formal education from the age of 12, Jane returned to education when she was 17 and successfully completed her GCSEs, A levels, LLB (Hons), a Diploma in legal practice and completed her chartered tax exams.
The 41 year-old, who lives in Walsall Wood, started her career in VAT as a graduate trainee with one of the ‘Big Four’ accountants. Jane continued to work within the ‘Big Four’ accountancy practices for a number of years, within the Midlands. Jane most recently worked for a fee protection company, providing consultancy advice to clients on all aspects of VAT.
With over 15 years’ experience in the industry Janehas been hired to strengthen HB&O’s tax department. She will be based in Coventry and Leamington and will advise clients on a wide range of VAT issues, including international trade and property matters.
Jane said: “When I was 17 I read a book called ‘You And The Law” which is basic guide to consumer law and decided I wanted to be a solicitor.
“I asked my parents if I could return to education to complete my studies and they were really supportive. People always find my background quite interesting particularly as I chose to return to education and pursue a career in VAT- but I just loved learning.”
She added: “Joining HB&O is a new and exciting opportunity for me and I hope that my experience and knowledge in the industry will benefit the firm.
“I am really looking forward to working with a wide range of businesses and helping them with any VAT queries that they have.One of the things that attracted me to HB&O is that there is an opportunity to progress within the firm.
“The company is looking to develop its tax department and Iwill play a key role in that by providing a specialist VAT service which willallow the firm to add another string to its bow.”
Helen Coombes, who is tax director at the firm, played an integral role in the recruitment process.
She said: “It is great to be able to add Jane’s skills and knowledge to our already highly-skilled workforce.
“We have worked hard to develop and expand the tax department over the last 12 months and as VAT is a notoriously complex area we felt it was the right time to recruit a consultant who would be able to offer specialist advice in this area.
“Jane’s arrival at HB&O will therefore considerably strengthen our offering and enable us to provide a higher level of service.
“We are sure that Jane will prove a valuable asset to the firm and we are excited to see how she can help to develop the business in the future.”