A Business Advisory Senior Manager in our Dundee office, Kim Lawrie is deeply embedded in the Rural sector. Here, she tells us more about her background in agri and how that helps her support her Rural clients as a trusted adviser.

When did you join JC, and what attracted you to the firm?

I joined JC straight from university in July 2013. I was keen to combine my Accountancy degree with my rural background and JC felt like the perfect fit. The firm has evolved over the past 11 years, but it's still the perfect fit and I put that down to the adaptability and forward thinking nature of the firm.

Tell us what you do for businesses and how your role has developed since joining JC.

Above general compliance, I am a sounding board and adviser for my clients. I get under the numbers and understand what’s going on within the setting - the family dynamics, the medium/long term business plan and the external environment. I’ve had the benefit of working on some clients since the very start of my career - moving from reconciling the bank and preparing the accounts to leading them through succession. A success story in equal measure for me and my clients!

What led you to having a particular interest in working with Rural businesses?

I grew up on an arable farm, so farming and family business was ingrained in me from a very young age. Dinner time conversations didn’t feel like business, just a way of life and now, in my professional career, working with like-minded individuals with a common interest/focus on rural felt like the natural progression.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy working with people - both colleagues and clients. Businesses may share the same sector but all models and family situations are different and you can only fully understand this by visiting, talking and listening to clients - the part of the job that I love. Collaborating internally to reach the best outcome externally is what I aim for every day.

What professional learning are you doing at the moment?

Having just completed my ATT qualification, I am looking to use this along with my CA qualification to service and grow my client book.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I live on a busy dairy farm with my husband and two young children (both tractor and cow mad). We love hosting friends, socialising, keeping active and getting outdoors. Life outside work is non-stop, just how I like it!

If you weren’t a business adviser, what other career would you like to try out?

The team regularly tell me that they’d happily recruit me as the inhouse baker - I’m not sure their waistlines would thank me in the long run!

To find out more about how Kim and our specialist Rural team can support you, get in touch via Kim.Lawrie@jcca.co.uk.