In this week’s Meet the Team interview, we spoke to Sophie Rayner, Manager in our Digital Finance team. Sophie joined BHP in 2019 and is based in our Cleckheaton office. Read on to find out what she loves about her job and what she enjoys doing away from the office.
What attracted you to work for the firm?
I used to drive past the office years back and always knew I’d work here one day!
What does your day-to-day role involve?
My role involves meeting clients, preparation and review of management accounts, helping clients understand their compliance duties with MTD (Making Tax Digital), offering cloud accounting solutions to clients, performing cloud conversions and software training.
Have you had any previous roles before joining the firm?
I trained as an admin apprentice whilst completing my AAT when I left school, then moved to a firm where I worked as payroll administrator before moving to my last job where I prepared management and statutory accounts.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love meeting with clients and visiting them in their own businesses to really get a flavour for what they do. I think it helps to build up the trusted advisor status!
What is your favourite work memory or achievement?
My favourite work memory was when I told my clients that I’d be going on maternity leave and they didn’t want me to go. It’s really nice to know they appreciate the service I provide!
What is your proudest moment in your career so far?
My proudest moment was passing my final ACCA exam with a high score, which resulted in an invitation down to London to take part in a marketing campaign at ACCA’s office!!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a little village in North Yorkshire called Cononley. I went to school over that way too and moved to Queensbury in 2015.
What do you do to unwind after a day in the office?
I like to unwind by pouring a large glass of gin and watching a TV series with my husband!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Six-year-old me would have said a scientist!
What are your hobbies?
In my spare time, I run a rounders club in Halifax. On weekends, it’s family time and we’re often out and about with our 18-month-old little girl.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to be able to complete a Rubik’s cube pretty quickly!
What can you talk about for hours?
Shamefully, I admit that it would have to be reality TV – such as TOWIE or Made In Chelsea.
What item can’t you live without?
My phone – 100%!
What do you prefer – a TV series, book or film? What are your favourites?
I definitely prefer a TV series – I can’t stay awake long enough for a film!
Where is your dream destination?
My dream holiday destination would have to be New York!
