Thomas Guthrie
I joined Mercer & Hole in September 2004 after graduating with a first class honours degree in Business & Economics.
Initially I worked within the insolvency department in the Milton Keynes office, whilst I studied for my ACCA qualification. As a result of obtaining my ACCA qualification in 2008, I have gained a wide range of experience in areas such as business management, financial accounting, taxation, audit and assurance. The training is intense and to ensure success it requires a high level of discipline to do further studies out of working hours. The majority of staff that I work with have experienced the demands of professional exams and as a result they were very supportive during this process. There are also various opportunities to socialise with your colleagues outside of office hours, for example in Milton Keynes, the firm’s five aside football team.
During my time at Mercer & Hole I have progressed from a trainee insolvency administrator to my current role as an assistant manager. When I was an insolvency administrator my role required me to deal with the day to day running of my allocated case load, which includes company liquidations, administrations and individual bankruptcies. Now as assistant manager my role requires me not only to manage my own case load, but also to monitor other members of my team and provide guidance to new starters.
Working within a medium sized firm has given me exposure to all aspects of insolvency. For example: liaising with directors regarding their financial difficulties, attending creditor and shareholder meetings, identifying risk issues and drawing them to the attention of management.
In July 2009, Mercer & Hole offered me the opportunity to transfer to the team in the London office. This has been excellent as I have gained valuable experience that will be useful for me when completing my final JIEB exams. The move to London has specifically allowed me to gain exposure to cross-border insolvency matters, trading administrations, company pension restructuring and different management styles.
Mercer & Hole have provided me with an excellent platform to advance my career in the insolvency industry quickly.
When I am not studying, I like to spend my free time watching Liverpool FC or visiting my family and friends in Wales. Unusual facts about myself are that at the age of 14, I represented Wales on the program Junior Masterchef. In the future I have a real ambition to take part in a triathlon (however, admittedly I need to learn how to swim properly first; rather than just sink!).
Thomas Guthrie
