Sam Waine

Supervisor

Hi, I’m Sam, (only Samantha on a Sunday or if you’re my parents!) and alongside my colleagues I run the Service Charge function of our External Audit team. Our technical expertise is utilised during our summer period where, with the help of a team of interns, we oversee the review of nearly 3,000 sets of service charge accounts.

We are very proud of our newly established team and work closely with our colleagues to ensure our Service Charge clients receive a consistent standard and quality of review across the board, whilst aiming to leave a lasting impression with our clients and provide a friendly face they can always rely on.

I also oversee all things recruitment for our summer placement team in Manchester and work with the Accounting Society at Manchester University to build relationships, pass on life skills and forge lasting connections with the next generation of accountants.

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The nitty-gritty
Association of Tax Technicians (ATT)

My story
I joined the firm in 2016 as an experienced apprentice, trying my hand at various roles before I was thrust into the world of audit. I worked with the SME and tax departments, honing my skills relating to accounts preparation and corporation tax which allowed me to thrive when I transferred to external audit in 2018, where I worked with both limited companies and not-for-profit organisations. I progressed very quickly in my career in external audit, being nominated for the department’s ‘Rising Star’ award in 2019 following my very quick progression to semi-senior. It was during this time that I first started completing service charge examinations and found my calling.

In February 2023 after 7 years of honing my skills and making a name for myself, I was promoted to Service Charge Supervisor which to date remains one of my proudest achievements. I have developed a level of expertise relating to service charges that is valued throughout the firm and have also furthered my understanding of the challenges facing our clients and Leaseholders in general from my attendance at the National Leaseholders Group conferences.

Whilst I am still a young face, my goal is to become one of the experts within the service charge sector nationally, as this is not only my career but my passion. Being able to enjoy the work I do is a big part of why I am so committed to making a difference in the Leaseholder world.

As part of our busy summer period, we recruit at least 15 summer interns to work with the wider service charge team. Most of these interns come from the local areas, but this recruitment requires us to interview a wide range of applicants from a variety of different backgrounds and put them to the test with our service charge examination. We pride ourselves on building relationships with the people we recruit and have seen many of our summer interns go on to have successful careers with the firm where they have shone throughout their summer placement and subsequently been offered a graduate position.

I do this too…
When I’m not spending my time with my best friend (my younger brother), I enjoy spending my time in nature. City working has made me really appreciate my countryside roots and I enjoy being outside more than I ever have. To relax on the weekend, I like to take long walks and use weight training to hone both my mind and body. Although it is a struggle, I have become somewhat comfortable being uncomfortable.

I also love to cook; my favourite dishes are usually Mexican or East Asian inspired and the spicier the better in my opinion! A good book also never goes amiss. Since I was young, I have always been fascinated with reading and often compete with my family to see who can read the most books in a year!