Our 35 Under 35 highlights the best young talent in Accountancy, in partnership with Accountancy Age. We talk to Mark Adderley-Bateman, Senior Manager at Crowe UK, about his career and insights on working with law firms. Mark discusses his passion for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and why reducing barriers is so important. He also explains why he believes Accountancy is a profession for everyone.
Hi Mark, who are you and what do you do?
Hi, I’m Mark Adderley-Bateman, a Senior Manager in the Professional Practices team at Crowe UK. I work predominantly with law firms, helping them to comply with their regulatory requirements. I also spend a large amount of time on internal projects, helping to celebrate, champion and develop Crowe’s people as they navigate their career pathway through the Firm.
“I thrive on the fact that no two days are ever the same. I work with clients that range from small regional firms, through to large city firms and everything in between.”
What has your career journey been like to date?
During my time at Crowe, I have been lucky enough to work on all of our sector areas and settled into the Professional Practices area a number of years ago. I studied ACCA exams straight from school, after completing my A Levels, and despite a couple of bumps along the journey, I qualified in 2014. I have been able to work cross department, cross office and cross border during my time at Crowe and remain forever grateful to be part of a firm that strives to deliver a rewarding people experience for colleagues.
What do you enjoy about your area of Accounting?
I thrive on the fact that no two days are ever the same. I work with clients that range from small regional firms, through to large city firms and everything in between, giving me a real variety of work and each end of the scale presents different challenges. The nature of law firms means that they intersect with other areas of accountancy, meaning that I work closely with colleagues in different departments, seeking their guidance and expertise on a regular basis, whilst being able to offer them insight from my own skills and experience when they need it.
As I have progressed through the Firm, I have also been able to take on greater responsibility within the running of the team, with a focus on developing our people as they seek to make their own mark in the profession. Personally, this is something that I find immensely rewarding on a personal level, and satisfying on a firm-wide level, knowing that I’m able to make a difference to both the Firm and to colleagues as we face the challenges of today and prepare our journey together into the future.
“One thing that I really do see as a positive is the increased focus on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion within the profession.”
What are the latest trends you are seeing in the Accountancy sector?
At the risk of sounding cliché, there is immense technological advancement within the sector, with software I’ve never heard of being able to do things that I’ve never thought possible. However, this does really present opportunities to learn new skills and shape the future of the profession.
One thing that I really do see as a positive is the increased focus on ED&I within the profession, with firms of all sizes striving to reduce barriers to entry into accountancy regardless of gender, sexuality, cultural heritage, social background or disability. I’m proud to sit on Crowe’s National ED&I steering group, working to create a firm that reflects the society which we serve.
Are there any specific challenges you are facing at the moment?
There is a real shortage of talent within the profession, and with increased regulatory scrutiny on the audit profession, every audit firm needs talented people to perform and deliver robust, high quality audit work.
I enjoy working with various teams within the Firm to ensure that we are able to offer the best people experience for my colleagues and help to develop them into the next generation of leaders.
“Forget your preconceptions of what an accountant looks like or where they come from. Accountancy really is a profession for all.”
Who or what inspires you?
Throughout my career, I have been blessed to work with some truly inspirational colleagues, who have taught me the value of teamwork and helped me to realise the benefits that collaboration can bring. I have worked closely with the Partners since joining the Firm, and since qualifying.
While progressing in one’s career does undeniably bring pecuniary benefits, there is no way of quantifying the satisfaction that you get from helping somebody to progress on their own pathway. I regularly work with colleagues, helping them to shape their future and plan their next steps.
Since joining the management team in 2021, I am now starting to see trainees that I onboarded in 2021 progress to taking their final exams, and am inspired by their enthusiasm, tenacity, and determination to become qualified accountants.
What advice would you give others looking to pursue a career in Accountancy?
Honestly, I would say give it a try. Forget your preconceptions of what an accountant looks like or where they come from. Accountancy really is a profession for all. There are so many opportunities for trainees to join the profession at either school leaver or graduate levels. It’s never too late to start your journey, we have trainees that have been established in one career but have decided to move into accountancy, and it has been a pleasure to help them with that transition, and the start of their future in the profession.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be honest and be yourself.
Never be afraid to bring your whole self to work. Everybody is different, and brings alternative ways of thinking, a variety of lived experiences and a plethora of personalities to the table.
In my opinion, the most important trait that any accountant can demonstrate is honesty. In reality, people do make mistakes, it is how we learn from them that develops you, and in turn helps you to develop those around you.
Mark Adderley-Bateman was listed in the 35 Under 35 Accountancy Age Winners in 2022. View the full list of winners here.
Mark was talking to Robert Hunter, Content Manager at AJ Chambers.
AJ Chambers Recruitment Ltd,