Meet our Audit Senior Associate

5 Feb 2025

Edward Holly

Name: Edward Holly

Role: Audit Senior Associate

Time at Saffery: 3 years 5 months

 

What’s the best bit about your job?

One of the aspects I enjoy most about my job is the exposure to a diverse range of companies across various industries. This keeps the work interesting as no two weeks are the same but has also broadened my knowledge about business operations and the variety of sectors that they operate in. In addition, my role gives me the chance to visit audit clients at their premises which offers valuable opportunities to meet clients face-to-face and build relationships. Building rapport with clients is something I find particularly rewarding.

Another great part of my job is the strong camaraderie that I share with my colleagues. There’s a great team dynamic both inside and outside of the office. The sense of support and shared purpose makes the work environment enjoyable.

The culture of Saffery is really important to the business and the people within it – what do you think you bring to the team and what do you contribute?

I have a ‘can do’ attitude to work and volunteer where I can take on extra pieces of work to gain exposure to different tasks, but also help out other members of the team when they are busy to ease workload.

We have regular intakes of new trainees and will often work with them on my jobs, I will spend time coaching them to aid their own understanding of the audit process and technical areas.

I am also what is known as a ‘superuser’ of the accounts production software we use, this involves me helping anyone in the office that needs support making updates in accounts which can range from simple queries to more complex disclosure adjustments. I also deliver the training on how to use this software to the new starters.

If you weren’t doing this role, what might you be doing?

When I was younger, I was determined I was going to be an airline pilot as I was very interested in all things aviation and started taking flying lessons. Other than that, I did a degree in Biochemistry and nutrition so I would have probably gone into that had I not gone into audit.

My other dream job used to be to work as a presenter on Top Gear!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

At the weekends I enjoy getting outside and going on walks in the countryside or along the coast. I find this helps me unwind but also sets me up for the week ahead again.

I also enjoy meeting up with family and friends to have coffee.

Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know

I am very much a car nerd, I love all things to do with cars and am very interested in knowing how they work from the workings of engines to knowing all the new and classic models of cars. I will often visit motor shows which is another one of my favourite pass times. One day I would love to restore an old classic and do it myself from the ground up, even if it took me years! My dream car would have to be a Morgan plus 6.

Who or what inspires you?

I find I am more motivated than inspired. I am motivated to do my job the best that I can either through delivering good audit files to management or giving excellent client service. I set short term and long-term goals of where I want to be by when – achieving these personal goals motivates me. On a more personal level, I want to do the best I can in my career for my family.

What’s your favourite place in Dorset?

I would say my favourite place to go in Dorset is Knowle Beach and up to Old Harry Rocks, as I mentioned I enjoy getting outside and here is one of my favourite places to go and embrace the elements. Technically just over the border but Bowerchalke in the Cranborne Chase area also holds a lot of happy memories for me having recently got married there.

Give 3 words to describe yourself

Quiet, hard-working, optimistic.

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