Greg Bestwick

NAME Greg Bestwick

EMPLOYER BDO Alto
JOB Audit associate
DEGREE History, University of Sussex (2006)

I’m originally from Jersey and as a student I undertook work experience  in accountancy firms both in Jersey and the mainland. This confirmed my decision to return to Jersey and work within an audit environment on graduation. I now work for a local firm which is a member firm of a global network of public accounting firms. This means that I get the best of both worlds such a close-knit team and early responsibility, and get to work with both a local and international client base.

Seeing the world

I went travelling after I finished my degree: I did voluntary work in Africa and then went to Australia and South East Asia. The experience has proved invaluable – I travelled on my own so I had meet new people and get along with individuals from all backgrounds. I use these skills every day in my job as I often work directly with clients and it’s essential that I can understand people and situations quickly. In fact, I would say meeting clients is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job.

I’m working towards my associated chartered accountancy (ACA) qualification through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW). This should take me three years to complete. It can be tough combining work and study but I know that in the end I will be professionally qualified.

Coming home

London didn’t appeal to me when I graduated as I felt that I could have both the career opportunities and life that I wanted back here in Jersey. I knew I eventually wanted to travel and work abroad and by achieving the ACA I will have an internationally recognised qualification which is my passport to the world in terms of career opportunities.