In our latest Meet the Team interview, we caught up with Jennifer Hanford, our Risk and Forensic Services Executive based in Leeds. Read on to find out what inspires Jenni in her everyday work, and discover her many hobbies and pastimes away from the office.
When did you join BHP?
I joined the Forensics team at BHP in August 2021.
What attracted to you to work for the firm?
BHP has a great reputation and is always doing great things in the local area. I have always wanted to be a forensic accountant and the team at BHP have vast and wide-ranging experience in the many different areas of forensics, alongside being so lovely and kind. As soon as I had my first interview, it just felt like the perfect fit.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Every day is different in forensics, it’s very varied and interesting; one day I could be reading through cases to strengthen my technical knowledge, the next day an all-day meeting with clients, followed the next day by report writing. Each job is always different. Even if there are similarities, each will have its own quirks, so there are always new problems to solve and new things to learn.
How has BHP helped you in your career so far?
BHP has allowed me to achieve one of my career goals of becoming a forensic accountant and I am so happy to be a part of the team. It’s also helped me with my confidence and networking, providing many opportunities to get involved with internal projects and to attend external networking events.
What are your highlights and key achievements?
Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant is, and always will be, a real highlight. My goal since school was to become a forensic accountant, so getting the job at BHP and becoming part of the team is a key achievement for me. Some other highlights include being involved in organising the social events for the Leeds office and the summer party. I really enjoy being part of the planning team and seeing everyone enjoy the events is always lovely.
What or who inspires you at work?
Everyone at BHP is so friendly that it inspires me every day to be the best version of myself. There’s a real focus throughout the firm on its people and their wellbeing, as well as their professional growth, and the drive for this balance for each employee is inspirational. I am also very lucky to work in a small team with colleagues who are all experts in their field with vast experience. In itself, this is inspirational, but they also always have time to help and share their knowledge, investing their time in me and my growth.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for a role at BHP?
Do it! BHP is a lovely place to work and the people are amazing, I love working here so I would advise anyone to apply – they wouldn’t regret it.
What do you enjoy doing outside of working?
I enjoy spin, crafts, trying out new restaurants/taster menus, watching theatre shows, going to music festivals/concerts, as well as travel in the UK and Overseas. I also support Sheffield Steelers, so I enjoy going to the games at the weekend.
What do you prefer? A TV series or a film? And which genre do you prefer?
I think everyone says this, but it depends on the mood I’m in! I love binge-watching a new series or watching documentaries, but equally love watching cheesy films, my favourites being rom-coms or anything Disney.
If you could host a celebrity dinner, who would you invite?
I would invite George Ezra, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Dutiaume, Angela Lansbury, Taylor Swift and Paul Ainsworth (hoping he would help with the cooking!).
What is your favourite type of cuisine and why?
Japanese food; I love the flavours and always pick it if I am choosing.
What type of holiday do you prefer? Beach, active or city break?
City breaks are my favourite type of holiday. I’ve been interrailing twice around Europe, visiting lots of the major cities, and I loved it and can’t wait to go back to some of my favourite places from the trips to spend a longer period of time.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would be your dream job?
When I was younger, my dream job was either Theatre Actress, Astronaut or Bus Driver, so probably one of those!
