Meet James Turner – Accountant at Harold Sharp and Made in Manchester 2025’s Finance Professional of the Year finalist. Just two years after qualifying, he’s already leading some of the most technical work at the firm. With a talent for problem-solving and a passion for tech-driven financial solutions, James is proving that accounting isn’t just about numbers – it’s about strategy, innovation and making a real impact.
We sat down with James to chat about his career journey so far, the exciting projects he’s working on and his advice for students considering a career in accounting.
Q: You’ve worked on some complex projects in the past year. Can you tell us about a standout moment?
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve taken on recently was leading the group accounts for a 20-company structure in the care industry. It’s a highly technical job, requiring consolidated accounts under FRS 102, all delivered under tight deadlines. This was a challenge I used to assist with but, this year, I stepped up to take full responsibility – seeing it through successfully was a great achievement.
Another project I’ve really enjoyed was working with a group of independent estate and letting agency brands. They had just moved from being a PLC to a franchise model, which left each branch without a central finance function. I was brought in as their Outsourced Financial Controller to set up a new system from scratch. By leveraging tech tools like Xero, Dext and ApprovalMax, I created an efficient, automated finance function for each branch. We even developed a bespoke financial forecast report – now fondly called ‘Finfor’- to provide each branch with the insights they needed to manage their finances effectively.
Q: Innovation seems to play a big role in your work. What’s an example of a solution you’ve implemented that made a real difference?
Definitely the ‘Finfor’ report I just mentioned. When the estate agency branches transitioned to a franchise model, they had to start handling their own finances. Suddenly they were responsible for paying suppliers, managing cash flow and making financial decisions. This is something they didn’t have much experience of as they hadn’t needed to think about it previously.
I worked with our IT team to build a custom financial forecast report in Excel that would be simple, insightful and useful. But more than that, I had to act as a translator – helping branch owners understand what the numbers were telling them so they could make informed business decisions. Now, each of the 19 branches has a clear financial picture, which is helping them plan for the future with confidence.
Another example was a project with a facilities provider. They needed a better way to track financial performance across different revenue streams, so I led their migration from QuickBooks to Xero and Dext. I also redesigned their chart of accounts and introduced tracking categories, which now allow them to generate divisional profit and loss reports – something they weren’t able to do before. They’re now saving hours of admin time every week and getting clearer financial insights to guide their business decisions.
Q: Clients clearly value your ability to make finance work for them. What’s the best feedback you’ve received?
One that really stuck with me was from the directors of a recruitment company. After I helped them transition to a cloud-based finance system, they told me that the visibility we were delivering over income and expenditure made them feel like they were suddenly in the driver’s seat.
That was a proud moment because it reinforced the impact our work has, and how much of a difference financial clarity can make to a business. Since we started working together, they’ve expanded their team, moved to a bigger office, rebranded, and pivoted their strategy toward a growth market. It’s been amazing to be part of that journey and help them make confident, informed financial decisions along the way.
Q: Do you have any advice for students thinking about starting a career in accounting?
Absolutely! First, don’t underestimate the value of real-world experience. Whether it’s an internship, a placement year, or even just shadowing someone in the industry, seeing how finance works in practice is incredibly valuable.
Second, embrace technology. Accounting is no longer just about spreadsheets and number-crunching – it’s about using tools like Xero, automation software and data analytics to provide real-time insights. The more comfortable you are with finance tech, the more valuable you’ll be.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved. Accounting is about problem-solving, and the best way to learn is by diving in and getting hands-on experience.
Inspired by James’ journey? Ready to build your own success story in a team that supports your growth? Keep an eye on our Careers Hub for our latest vacancies.