Rachel Richardson knows Nyman Libson Paul from more than one perspective. Having started her career here as a trainee, she’s worked her way up to Audit Manager. She now supports a varied portfolio of charities, arts organisations and small businesses, as well as the next generation coming through the firm.

We caught up with Rachel to talk about life in audit, what she’s learned along the way and what being an ally looks like to her.

Tell us a little about what you do at NLP and the clients you typically work with.

I’m an Audit Manager at NLP, specialising in charities, particularly arts-based organisations and theatres, as well as a range of small businesses. I manage audit teams, review files, help clients navigate technical accounting issues and make sure audits run smoothly from planning through to completion. I also spend a lot of time supporting and training more junior members of the team. Having started my own career at NLP as a trainee accountant and gained my ACA qualification here, it’s important to me to pay that experience forward and help others develop in the same way. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that no two days are ever the same. A typical day might involve balancing project management with technical accounting work, reviewing audit files, supporting and training team members, and keeping clients updated on progress. The nature of my work also changes throughout the year depending on the seasonality of our clients and where we are in the audit cycle, which keeps things interesting and means there’s always a new challenge around the corner. 

What does being an ‘ally’ to your clients mean to you?

Being an ally means becoming a trusted partner rather than simply providing a service once a year. Many of the charities and arts organisations I work with are focused on making a positive impact and often have limited resources, so it’s important that they know they can pick up the phone and ask for support whenever they need it. For me, being an ally is about understanding their mission, providing practical guidance, and helping them focus on achieving their objectives while knowing they have someone in their corner who understands their challenges. 

What’s something your NLP colleagues would immediately associate with you?

Probably charities and the arts! A large part of my client portfolio is made up of arts organisations and charities, so I spend a lot of time immersed in that sector. Beyond work, I’ve always had a passion for the arts, particularly music, so I think my colleagues would associate me with both the charity sector and a genuine enthusiasm for the organisations we support. 

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Outside of work, music has always been a huge part of my life. Before becoming an accountant, I was a classical musician and performed recitals at venues including the Barbican, Cadogan Hall and St Martin-in-the-Fields, playing both the piano and oboe. I still play regularly in my spare time and enjoy reviewing and writing about music, so although my day job is numbers and audits, my creative side never really went away!

In the latest instalment of our Meet the Ally series, we sit down with Advisory Partner Laurence Fishman.

Working predominantly with entrepreneurs and founders of fast-growing businesses, Laurence brings experience from across almost every stage of the business lifecycle. But for him, being a trusted adviser goes far beyond the numbers.

We caught up with Laurence Fishman to find out more about his approach to working with clients, what has shaped the way he thinks about business, and what he’s learned from a career spent helping businesses grow, adapt and navigate some of their biggest challenges.

Tell us a little about what you do at NLP and the clients you typically work with.

I’m an advisory Partner at NLP. The majority of the people I advise are entrepreneurs and founders who are scaling quickly.

What’s one question you find yourself being asked by clients again and again?

“How’s everyone else in our industry doing?” My answer tends to be the same every time.

What’s something you wish more clients knew about your area of expertise?

Most of my clients will already know exactly who I am – an open book. Right out the gate, I want clients to understand how I think, make decisions and navigate challenges just as much as I want to understand them, their ambitions and what drives them. That said, if that question is asked of those watching on from the shadows, it’s this… I’ve been fortunate to have built a career that has spanned almost every stage of the business lifecycle.

From helping launch a successful start-up straight out of University (not accountancy!), to managing and growing relationships with large and complex international audit clients. I’ve restructured groups, worked on the turnarounds of household-name businesses, supported teams on high-profile administrations. I have consulted and advised leadership teams on corporate strategy, and helped clients exit for more money than I will ever see!

I’ve seen first-hand how businesses grow, struggle, adapt, transform and create value under pressure. And that means I have developed an instinct that many in my arena won’t have. I don’t see myself as just an accountant… I’m a corporate wingman. A “fixer”. The kind of person my clients seem to want in the room with them when the stakes get high!

What’s something your NLP colleagues would immediately associate with you?

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you Laurence?

I’m fascinated by, and have spent years studying, the psychology of business. Motivations, decision-making, behaviours, relationships, strategy, influence, and performance. From EVERY angle I could find. It began as an interest in my 20’s but became something of an obsession, leading me to explore ideas and disciplines far beyond traditional business thinking (…think ancient China and the art of warfare!). That breadth and depth of study has shaped how I see the world. It honed the way I lead, build teams, and influence outcomes. More than any qualification or technical skill, it’s probably been the biggest contributor to both my personal growth and the success I’ve achieved throughout my career.

Good advice starts with understanding the person behind the question.

For Lindsay, Director of Client Services at NLP, being an accountant isn’t simply about supplying the technically correct answer. It’s about understanding what a client is trying to achieve, seeing the bigger picture and bringing together the right expertise to help them make decisions with confidence.

In Part 2 of our Meet Your Ally series, Lindsay Bowler shares why she believes an accountant should be more than someone you speak to once a year, where professional judgement still matters in an age of AI, and what being a true ally to her clients means in practice.

Tell us a little about what you do at NLP and the clients you typically work with. 

As Director of Client Services, I combine technical accounting and audit expertise with a collaborative approach, bringing together specialists across accounts, audit, tax and advisory here at NLP to provide clients with the right advice at the right time. I work predominantly with ambitious businesses and individuals mainly in the creative sectors, helping them navigate complex financial and commercial challenges, make informed decisions and achieve their goals. For me, it’s about understanding the bigger picture rather than looking at an individual accounting or tax issue in isolation.

What’s one question you find yourself being asked by clients again and again?

What do you enjoy most about working closely with clients?

For me, this is what the job is all about. I genuinely enjoy getting to know my clients, not just what they want to achieve in business, but what they want from life as well.  Understanding the bigger picture and the story behind a business means I can give advice that actually works for that individual. It’s not always about saving a little tax in one particular area if doing so creates a bigger problem somewhere else or affects another important decision.

What does being an ‘ally’ to your clients mean to you?

To me, being an ally means being there for our clients in whatever capacity they need. Sometimes that means answering questions such as, “Does this make financial sense?”, “What can I do to manage my tax?”, “Should I go ahead with this deal as proposed?” or “Are my systems working efficiently, or could they be improved?” But sometimes our heroes simply need an ally to be a sounding board, someone who understands the business well enough to talk through a difficult decision and challenge their thinking when necessary. I want to be that person for my clients. Whether they need technical expertise, commercial advice or simply someone to talk a decision through with, I want to help them overcome the hurdle in front of them and move forward with confidence.

What’s something people might not realise goes on behind the scenes when you’re helping a client?

The heart and passion that goes into it. My LinkedIn tagline is “The accountant that cares”, and I chose that because I genuinely care about my clients and the businesses they have built.

Starting your career is a big step, and choosing the right place to do it can make all the difference.

In our Graduate Spotlight series, we’re handing things over to the people who know the NLP graduate experience best: our graduates themselves.

We caught up with one of our current Graduate Audit Trainees, Riya Johny, to hear about life at NLP so far, from working with a varied mix of clients and studying towards a professional qualification to the support, responsibility and opportunities that come with being part of the team.

Here’s what she had to say.

What made you choose NLP for your graduate career?

I chose NLP because I really liked the variety of clients they work with, particularly theatres and charities.When I researched about the company, I found lots of positive reviews including a great LinkedIn platform where I learned about all the opportunities they have to offer. I also found lots of positive feedback, and speaking to some of the grads during my visit gave me even more reassurance that it was a friendly and supportive place to work.

What does a typical day look like for you as a graduate, if there is such a thing?

I find that a typical day is never the same. I work with a variety of clients and carry out a range of different tasks, from preparing accounts and conducting audit testing to preparing for meetings with clients.

How have you found balancing studying for your professional qualification alongside your day-to-day work?

I have found that balancing studying for my professional qualification alongside my day-to-day work can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. The structure of the graduate programme helps me manage both, as I am able to apply what I learn through studying directly to my work. This makes the content easier to understand and helps reinforce my knowledge.

Time management is important, particularly when preparing for exams alongside busy periods at work. I have found that planning my time effectively and keeping on top of my studies helps me maintain a good balance. Although it can be demanding, I enjoy the combination of studying and practical experience, as both complement each other and allow me to continue developing professionally.

What’s the team culture really like from a graduate’s perspective?

From a graduate’s perspective, I have found the team culture to be very supportive and welcoming. Everyone is approachable and willing to help, which makes it easier to ask questions and learn from those around you.

There is also a strong sense of teamwork, particularly during busy periods, where everyone works together to meet deadlines and support one another. I have found that people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own work while still having the support of the wider team when needed. Overall, I think the culture provides a good balance between being professional and having a friendly and enjoyable working environment.

If someone was considering applying for NLP’s Graduate Audit Trainee Programme, what would you say to them?

I would definitely recommend applying if you are interested in pursuing a career in audit. The Graduate Audit Trainee Programme provides a great opportunity to gain practical experience while working towards your professional qualification. You are given responsibility from an early stage, but there is always support available from colleagues when you need it.

The role is varied, so every day is different, and you get the opportunity to work with a range of clients and develop a broad set of skills. It can be challenging at times, particularly when balancing work with studying, but it is a rewarding experience and provides a strong foundation for your career. If you are willing to learn, take on new challenges and make the most of the opportunities available, I would highly recommend it.

At NLP, being a good adviser is about more than knowing the numbers. It’s about understanding the people behind them, being there when challenges arise and building relationships that last.

That’s what our Meet the Ally series is all about: introducing the people who work alongside our clients and getting their perspective on what great advice and support really look like.

First up is Richard Paul, Partner at NLP, who works with a wide variety of clients across both their business and personal finances.

We sat down with Richard to talk about the challenges businesses are facing, why he believes advisers should be accessible when it matters, and the value of having someone in your corner when things get difficult.

Tell us a little about what you do at NLP and the clients you typically work with.

I am a general practice partner at NLP with a huge variety of clients but the common thread amongst all my clients is the private client style service we provide each of them.This means we take very personally defending  and supporting their business and personal finances throughout their lives.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’re helping clients with at the moment?

Clients are being squeezed by low cost competition, material extra taxes, red tape and macro events. Many business are finding themselves under attack and are having difficulty surviving. As their ‘financial bodyguards’ we are to help navigate them through these choppy waters.

What do you enjoy most about working closely with clients?

To be so closely involved in peoples personal and business lives is a priviledge. There are few other occupations which afford this level of access and in turn makes us all better advisors.

What does being a good adviser mean to you?

Being accessible, responsive, remaining calm and clear thinking in difficult situations is for me the key support clients need when they are going through troubles and challenges.

When should someone come and speak to you rather than trying to deal with something themselves?

Earlier rather than later please! I have found that most business owners have a lonely existence and rarely have anyone to share their troubles with. We enjoy constant contact with our clients and so we are in a better position to influence the outcome when problems do arise. A problem shared is a problem halved!

Starting a career in audit might not be quite what you expect. There’s much more to it than numbers and spreadsheets, from working directly with clients and understanding how businesses operate to building relationships and developing skills that can shape your entire career.

With applications for our Graduate Audit Trainee Programme now open, we sat down with Hetal Mistry, Audit Partner at Nyman Libson Paul, to talk about what a career in audit really looks like at NLP.

From what he looks for in graduate applications to the experience trainees can expect in their first year, Hetal shares his insight into starting out in audit, the culture of the team and what graduates can gain from beginning their career at an independent firm like NLP.

What do you look for in a graduate beyond their degree and academic results?

Academic results are important, but they only tell part of the story. I look for personality, attitude and a genuine willingness to learn.

At NLP, we have a fantastic team culture, so it’s important that new joiners are people who will fit in well, work collaboratively and contribute positively to the environment around them. I also look for individuals who are proactive, curious and willing to take ownership of their development.

The graduates who tend to do really well are often the go-getters. They’re entrepreneurial in their thinking, keen to build relationships and prepared to get involved rather than waiting to be told what to do. That mindset aligns well with the type of firm we are.

A lot more than they might expect.

What can someone expect to be doing in their first year?

From day one, graduates are working towards their professional qualification while gaining practical experience through real client work. They’ll receive structured training, support with their exams and exposure to a variety of businesses and sectors.

Some days they’ll be working alongside colleagues in the office, and on others they’ll be out at client premises gaining first-hand experience. They’ll be interacting with clients, building technical knowledge and developing the professional skills needed to become a trusted adviser.

Every week brings something different, which is one of the reasons the role is so rewarding.

How would you describe the culture of the Audit team to someone who has never stepped inside the office?

I’d describe it as supportive, ambitious and genuinely friendly.

We’re a team that works hard, but we also enjoy spending time together. People know each other well, collaborate openly and are always willing to help when someone needs support. It’s not uncommon to see colleagues socialising outside of work or celebrating each other’s successes.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our staff retention. Many of our people build long-term careers with us, helped by initiatives such as our Manager Pathway programme, which provides a clear route for progression and development.

Most importantly, they’re simply good people to be around. Graduates quickly become part of the team and have a strong support network around them from day one.

What do you think NLP offers a graduate that they might not experience at a much larger firm?

One of the biggest differences is breadth of experience.

At NLP, graduates don’t spend months working on just one section of an audit or a single type of assignment. Instead, they gain exposure to the entire audit process while also developing skills in accounts preparation, corporation tax and even advisory work across a wide range of sectors.

This gives them a much broader understanding of how businesses operate and helps them develop into well-rounded accountants much earlier in their careers.

The other difference is the people. In a larger organisation, it’s easy to feel like one person among thousands. At NLP, everyone knows your name. You’ll work closely with managers, directors and partners, your contribution will be recognised, and you’ll have real opportunities to make an impact from the outset.

What would you say to someone who is considering applying but isn’t quite sure whether audit is for them?

I’d say don’t rule it out based on what you think audit is.

Many people assume audit is simply about numbers and spreadsheets, but in reality it’s a people-focused profession. Every day involves meeting business owners, finance teams and senior leaders, understanding how their organisations operate and helping build trust in financial information.

Audit gives you a unique opportunity to learn how different businesses work, from entrepreneurial start-ups to established organisations across a wide range of sectors. Few careers provide such a broad commercial education at such an early stage.

If you’re curious, enjoy solving problems, like working with people and want a career that offers continuous learning and development, audit could be a much better fit than you realise. Even if you don’t spend your entire career in audit, the business, commercial and interpersonal skills you develop will benefit you wherever your future career takes you

We’re delighted to announce the promotion of Steve Foskett from Director of Client Services to Partner.

Steve joined Nyman Libson Paul in 2013 as an Audit Senior, after qualifying at a medium-sized firm in Stockport. He has since become a familiar and trusted presence across the firm.

Today, Steve splits his time between entertainment and general practice clients, supporting a broad and varied portfolio. Having spent many years working closely with Anthony, Steve has gained a front-row view of the industry and the relationships that underpin it.

As Partner, Steve Foskett is the first point of contact for many long-standing clients. A steady hand who combines approachability with assurance.