We're going behind the scenes again so you can meet the team, find out more about them, their role and interests!
Hi Ali, tell us about your role
I’m app advisory lead at Blu Sky and I’m a fully remote team member. On a day-to-day basis I explore various apps, how to best use them to benefit our team and clients, look at how we can create efficiencies, and give really useful insights.
I speak with clients to understand how their business works, their goals and what they want to achieve. I then present the best selection of apps, management reports and cash flow forecasts that will support them in their journey. Apps and insights help us and our clients save time, make better decisions and plan further ahead.
What made you want to be an accountant?
I’ve always been very analytically minded so it felt like the right fit. In all honesty I thought accounting would be a desk job that was pretty chilled, but I was surprised to find that I was wrong, in a good way though. I’m always busy, out and about visiting clients, attending events and networking. There’s a lot more to accounting than people realise.
What made you want to specialise in app advisory?
It was around the time that Xero launched. Xero and the countless apps that integrate with the platform really opened up possibilities and new ways of doing things. It shifted how accountancy works and the way accountants work with clients. I realised that this was something that would really add value and that I wanted to learn more about.
Historically as an accountant, clients would view me as someone who was there to simply check up on them. Now I’m able to make things happen, give clients more value and make a difference.
What is your favourite part about working at Blu Sky?
There are a few things! The flexibility with when and where I work. The people, my colleagues are all great and very supportive. We get together every quarter for a big social and it’s great to see them all in person.
The clients, I’m really interested in the tech sector and that’s mainly where my clients operate, and their businesses are usually something interesting that I really want to be a part of and support. Most of my clients are growing and developing tech products and services, so every day is interesting!
What is the best lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to find something that you enjoy doing, and to stick with it. It’s a huge bonus if you actually enjoy what you do for a living and it makes your day go by so much quicker.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I have two children under five, which means I’m always on the go. As a family we spend a lot of time outdoors and of course at birthday parties.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering becoming an accountant?
Speak to someone who’s an accountant already, someone who’s been there and done that. This way you can ask them what it’s like and what to expect.
Pick their brain and ask them everything you want to know. It can be challenging at times, but it’s rewarding, especially when you help a client make an achievement and get to where they want to be. It’s far more client centred than you’d think, which is a good thing trust me.
