Old Mill, the South West accountancy and finance firm, is celebrating a double success – a 100% success rate among its students sitting their exams and the promotion of its tax director to head of tax after just four years working in the specialist area.
David Maslen, pictured, joined Old Mill, which employs nearly 300 people across its offices in Melksham, Wells, Yeovil and Exeter, in 2004 as an accountant on the audit and advisory side.
In 2017 he decided to embark on a career change and move into the world of tax, where he worked his way up to director and is now the firm’s head of tax.
Having become a student again in his 40s, taking the exams that enabled him to specialise in tax, David knows how important it is to obtain professional qualifications.
Over the past five years, Old Mill has supported more than 100 of its staff to gain qualifications across a variety of areas, including accountancy, financial planning, HR, marketing and tax.
The latest successes include Aisha Perrott, pictured left, who passed her final two CTA exams, while her colleague Emma Swithenbank, pictured below, passed her final ATT exam – meaning both are now fully qualified.
Peter Noble and Callum Anderson both passed their latest CTA exams and are now well on their way to fully qualifying, while Jessica Little and Joe Campbell-Orde both passed their ATT exams.
David said: “I’m delighted with this fantastic achievement within our tax team at Old Mill – a 100% exam success rate for all those who recently sat their tax exams is such an incredible result and one we are extremely proud of.
“Having obtained professional qualifications at Old Mill myself, I have experienced first-hand the fantastic level of support those studying receive – not just financially but also in terms of help and advice, with more experienced colleagues mentoring those who are working towards qualifications.
“And on a personal note, I am honoured to have been asked to take on the role of head of tax. The tax team is an incredibly important part of the Old Mill offering, both for clients, and in terms of attracting talent and I am looking forward to continuing to develop the team and help those within it to progress with their careers and reach their full potential.
“At Old Mill, people know they’re working in a business that cares passionately about them, which in turn helps promote a culture whereby everyone wants to do their best to look after their clients and help ensure both they and Old Mill succeed.
Old Mill head of accountancy Kevin Whitmarsh added: “This is a really exciting time for our tax team. The recent exam success shows the breadth of talent we already have within the team, while David’s promotion ensures it will continue to go grow from strength to strength, thanks to his calming influence, supportive character and considered approach.”
