Adam Munro talks with former 35 under 35 winner, Siobhan Holmes, about her journey in the Accountancy space. Siobhan’s story is an excellent example of work-life balance, in which Siobhan can maintain a remarkable career whilst still being a very present mother.
Congratulations on becoming a 35 Under 35 winner. Please tell us a bit more about who you are and what you do.
I am an NFP and Charity specialist partner at Azets. I spent over 13 years with my previous firm where I found my love for working in the sector. I remember as an Audit Junior, I visited a hospice client. I was apprehensive about visiting, not really sure what to expect. But I was struck by how inspirational the charity was, how positive and dedicated the staff and volunteers were whilst supporting families going through incredibly difficult times. That for me was a turning point. I was lucky to be at a firm where they gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion of working in the NFP and Charity sector.
Since my training days, I quickly progressed to Director RI in 2020 and was instrumental in growing the NFP team up until October 2025, providing support to the audit staff, whilst raising awareness of the far-reaching importance of the NFP sector.
My passion for the NFP sector goes beyond work and I have been heavily involved in raising money and awareness of charities through CSR programmes, but also, I have been a trustee of a local care charity for over 5 years which has provided invaluable and hands on insight into the sector.
Recently I decided to embark on a new challenge and moved to Azets as NFP and Charity partner. I am very thankful for the time with my previous firm, and it wasn’t an easy decision, but Azets really aligned with my values and provided me with a new way of working. I am excited to have this opportunity to invest in the NFP team and support with the exciting growth plans in place.
Most importantly to me, I am a mum of two incredible young boys. Anyone who knows me through work, volunteering or my homelife will know they are my world and since 2020. I have been passionate about supporting other parents and hopefully showing that you can have a successful career whilst also prioritising being a parent.
Photo by Trang Trieu on Unsplash
It’s truly impressive to have such a successful career whilst being a present Mum. What was the transitional period like?
I used to be in the office working long hours and always keen to take on more responsibility to expand my career. When I was pregnant with my first, initially I thought I would be returning to work soon after the birth as I was scared of the time away being detrimental on my career.
Soon after giving birth, I realised that being a mum was my priority, and I spent much of my maternity leave struggling with how I would balance being the mum I wanted to be whilst continuing to build my career. Luckily, I had some fantastic role models at the firm who empowered me to stand firm in my belief that I could have a successful career and be a present mum, which was endorsed by my promotion to director whilst on maternity leave, and the move to working from home has been incredibly valuable in supporting this.
This hasn’t been without its challenges, and sadly within society there are still many stereotypes placed against working parents. Despite standing firm (and needing to grow thick skin) since becoming a parent I have felt a pressure to need to work like I don’t have children. It wasn’t until I returned after my second maternity leave, and with several new parents within my team, I made the decision to unapologetically be a mum with a successful career.
As a working mother, what does flexible working mean to you?
Being a mum has really enhanced my skillset, and I feel this has enhanced my work life, not been a hindrance. There are days when I wake up, the boys are wild and refusing to get dressed, last night’s dishes still need sorting, and I am not sure how I am going to get everyone ready on time. But somehow, it all works and its those crazy moments as we run to the car that I cherish. It makes me laugh that as I sit in a meeting with staff or a client, they have no idea what it took to get into work that day. But over time I have realised that by sharing this, so many others experienced exactly the same and suddenly relationships strengthen as we are all human. I am always proud to share that I am a mum, and it’s so important that we have these conversations to normalise it.
I am happier in work being given more flexible working. It means I am present for my boys, and I can be there for the big and small things. This then inspires me to drive forward in my career.
I think it is critical that my boys grow up seeing working Siobhan and mum Siobhan.
Azets strives for a family first approach and encourages the employees to be flexible.
Tell us more about your role and the NFP sector in general?
Fundamentally my role is being an auditor, so a lot of my work is focused on working with clients to understand their charity and provide a robust and compliant audit. However, working with the people has always been the biggest enjoyment at work and it’s building the relationships and providing year-round support that I find most rewarding. Often, I find the charities I work with have smaller finance teams, which can feel quite isolating for them, and I like to be on hand to support with queries.
The sector is also seeing many changes, for example the SORP consultation and review of audit thresholds being two key areas of change at the moment. Part of the role I love is keeping up to date with these changes and sharing the updates in a more digestible way. For example, I write newsletters and articles, present regular training updates and try to share quick updates on LinkedIn. With so much information to absorb, whilst trying to run a charity and manage other commitments, I hope providing bitesize support makes it easier for my clients.
Photo by Aaron Doucett on Unsplash
Should the charity sector get more exposure?
Definitely. I firmly believe that the NFP and charity sector underpins our society.
Over the past few years, with the cost-of-living crisis for example, I have seen increasingly the incredible work and support the sector provides and how they pick up the pieces when other institutions fail to deliver. Without even realising, the sector is ingrained in our everyday lives. Its not just the charities that step in to support us when we need help, what about the charities undertaking medical research, the local academy our children attends or the museum we visit at the weekend? So many of us will be unaware how often we engage with the sector in our everyday lives, and its that lack of awareness that needs to be changed.
At times I get frustrated by the lack of understanding and the negative press that the sector can receive. The CEOs, the staff, trustees, volunteers, and supporters all dedicate so much of their own time. Professionally over the years I have seen the critical work and dedication from the sector, but it wasn’t until I became a trustee that I realised just how compelling the shared passion to support the beneficiaries is, and staff work tirelessly to ensure that this is kept at the heart of the decisions made.
Siobhan was talking with Adam Munro, Associate Portfolio Director at AJ Chambers ®. Adam heads up client relationships in London for Audit & Accounts. With over 11 years’ experience, he has built up a network with London’s most prominent firms. Adam has assisted hundreds of trainees and qualified accountants with their career.
The 35 under 35 in partnership with Accountancy Age is back again for 2025, celebrating the top performers in the industry.
Nominate today: https://www.accountancyage.com/accountancy-age-35-under-35-2025-entries-open/
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