Nicki Shipley became a partner with Smailes Goldie Chartered Accountants in Hull on 1 July 2006, making her the first female partner in the firm’s 105 year history. Nicki, who joined Smailes Goldie as an A level entrant in 1997 from Hull Grammar School, qualified in 2000 at just 22 years old.
She says that Smailes Goldie, a seven partner firm, has around 100 staff in its contemporary, purpose built office in Hull and has a very friendly working environment where everybody knows everybody. “I really believe that joining the firm straight from school gave me a head start. Having not done a degree, I gained an extra three years in practice which gave me invaluable practical experience.
Also, due to the size of Smailes Goldie, I covered a wide range of subjects, both during training and post qualification, in all aspects of audit, tax and corporate finance. “I’m now responsible for recruiting and mentoring ICAEW students throughout their training at Smailes Goldie. I know firsthand how important it is to have someone to turn to for advice, so I always make sure that we really support our students here and in return they get a fantastic opportunity to progress through their chosen career while having a full support system surrounding them.”
Nicki has also taken the lead role in heading up the firm’s brand new offices in Barton upon Humber, which officially opened in May 2009, and means the company can now provide their full range of services to clients on both sides of the Humber. Nicki is also involved in the Humberside & District Society of Chartered Accountants and actively visits schools and colleges in the area to talk to pupils and students about accountancy and the various routes into the profession, through chartered training and qualification.
