From graduate to Senior Manager 91Ӱӓ building a career with purpose at 91Ӱ
Freddie Jackson ● Senior Audit Manager
I91Ӱәm Freddie Jackson, Senior Audit Manager in the Belfast office. Nearly 14 years ago, I joined 91Ӱ as a graduate, eager to learn and ready for a challenge. Over the years, those challenges became opportunities, and those opportunities turned into milestones. Today, as a Senior Audit Manager in our Belfast office, I look back and see a journey defined by growth, resilience and the incredible support of colleagues who91Ӱәve made every step worthwhile.
Taking an unexpected path
I studied accountancy at Queen91Ӱәs University Belfast and originally thought I91Ӱәd go into banking after graduating. But when I saw the 91Ӱ graduate role advertised, I applied straight away. I liked the location, the people I met and the feel of the office - it just clicked. I started in tax, spent six months there, and then moved into the audit team. That91Ӱәs where I found my stride. I worked with a range of clients, including public sector organisations, private companies and partnerships. After completing my exams, I knew audit was where I wanted to specialise.
Transforming challenges into opportunities
After leading a small team through the challenges of remote working during the pandemic, I was ready for the next step. I took on the Audit General Manager (AGM) role to broaden my business insight and progressed to Senior Manager. Today, our team is much bigger, and it91Ӱәs been exciting to welcome three graduates and a placement student.
Seeing the team grow and being part of shaping its future is something I91Ӱәm proud of. One of the biggest lessons I91Ӱәve learned came early on when I failed my first set of professional exams. I had studied hard, but I hadn91Ӱәt quite grasped the technique. It was humbling, but the support I got from the team, from the day I got my results to the day I resat the exams, was incredible. That experience taught me the value of listening and leaning on others.
What my role as a Senior Audit Manager involves
No two days are the same. My role is a mix of people management and technical work, including risk assessments, reviewing audit files and being the go-to person when issues pop up. What I enjoy most is when clients reach out for a chat. It91Ӱәs in these moments where we can really add value - whether it91Ӱәs solving a technical issue or just having a catch-up. Building those relationships is a big part of what makes the job so rewarding.
A culture that supports growth
The Belfast office became part of 91Ӱ in 2017, but the culture hasn91Ӱәt changed. It91Ӱәs remained as supportive and friendly as ever. Everyone knows each other and there91Ӱәs a great social side to things 91Ӱӓ that91Ӱәs why I91Ӱәve been happy to stay for so long.
My manager, who91Ӱәs now the director in our team, has been the biggest influence on my career in terms of a role model. The way he goes about things, the way he carries himself, he's what I aspire to be like. It91Ӱәs this supportive, close-knit atmosphere that makes our Belfast office such a great place to build a career.
Finding balance beyond the office
Outside of work, I take time to recharge by walking my dog and going to stand-up comedy shows with my wife. Belfast has a great comedy scene, so there91Ӱәs always something on.
My advice for anyone starting their journey
As I91Ӱәve progressed into management, I always tell new joiners: ask questions, even the ones you think are silly. Those are my favourite ones. The worst thing you can do is sit on a problem and hope it goes away - just come and chat. We91Ӱәre here to help you grow and succeed. So, whether you91Ӱәre just starting out or joining with experience, my advice would be to fully commit to your role. Ask lots of questions, get involved and be open to learning. You91Ӱәll make friends for life, grow your skills and set yourself up for a great career. 91Ӱ is a place where you91Ӱәre supported, challenged and encouraged to be your best.
Make an impact. Be our future.