AN EXPANDING accountancy firm, based in Chandler’s Ford, is continuing to invest in its team members with its latest internal promotion.

HWB has appointed colleague Matt Cooper as associate director after eight years of service, during which the Swansea University graduate qualified as a chartered accountant.

Mr Cooper, 30, moves up from his previous role as accounts and audit business adviser to take on a more strategic role.

He said: “I do like a challenge and I’ve always been ambitious. Although I do a lot of work with sectors such as construction and academy schools, I’ve tried not to specialise too heavily or too early as I’ve been aiming to keep a relatively broad focus.”

Mr Cooper joined the Chandler’s Ford-based firm in September 2014 before qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2017.

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He has worked with a range of clients from smaller, owner-managed businesses to larger groups and corporates with turnovers of more than £50m.

The new associate director continued: “When I left university I was looking for a reputable firm with trainee credentials and commitment that gives people the opportunity to go up through the ranks.

“I found balancing a job with study a lot of hard work, not least because I had a new-born at home when I started, but it does pay off if you are persistent and focused.

“When you’ve been working towards one goal for six years and completed such intensive study, you have an amazing sense of relief when you receive that email to confirm you have passed your finals to become a chartered accountant.  

“HWB is the sort of employer that encourages you to go out on audit to supplement your training. They have supported me every step of the way. I’ve had great assistance from colleagues. The view is that if you want to progress, the opportunity is there for you.”

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While taking on his new responsibilities, he will continue to split his week between the office and working from home in Bournemouth.

Mr Cooper’s appointment is the latest in a series of internal promotions at HWB in recent months.

Managing director Tracy Jenkins said: “Congratulations to Matt on this much-deserved promotion. He has worked hard all through his time with us, enjoying the job and delivering real value to our clients through his skills and expertise. We’re thrilled to see him taking this next step as a natural progression in his career.”