You walk through the office and everyone will say hello to you, no matter who they are or what level they are in the firm.
Jo Rowland, Accounts Manager
Jo Rowland
Accounts Manager
From: Orpington, Kent
What does your role involve?
As Accounts Manager, I’m responsible for everything from billing to accounts payable, to client accounts and office accounts – everything to do with the day-to-day running of the Accounts Department. It’s an extremely busy department and I have to make sure all the deadlines are met and all the rules and regulations are adhered to.
What’s the most demanding part of your job?
That’s a tough one. I love my job and I love a challenge, so I don’t ever think one part of it is particularly demanding. If I was pushed, the end of the last quarter, the quarter before year-end, was a challenge. We put through hundreds of bills on the very last day, all of which, of course, had to be spot-on, down to the last penny. But we did it, and we all loved the satisfaction of doing it all properly.
What’s your career background?
I’ve always worked in law firms, always in legal accounts. I’ve been here for nine years, so this is a major chunk of my career. Previously, I was in a larger City firm, but the larger firms tend to give you responsibility for one small part of the accounts role rather than a broad range. Here you still have a specialism but you still need to know how to carry out all the other tasks – which is what I prefer. I came here when I was 23 and, within six months, I was promoted to Team Supervisor.
How does Farrers differ from other law firms?
It’s a firm where people tend to stay for a long time. And it’s a very friendly place – everyone knows everyone, from the trainees to the Partners to the Senior Partner. You walk through the office and everyone will say hello to you, no matter who they are or what level they are in the firm. They also want you to progress and give you all the help and support you need to do that.