Congratulations to Catherine Desmond, Private Client Partner in our Ashbourne office, who recently celebrated her 10 year anniversary at PKF SC. We caught up with her to find out more about her career journey.

Why did you join PKF Smith Cooper back in 2015?

“Back in 2015 I approached the partners here as I wanted to move out of Saffery Champness and find a new home where I could balance work and family life. Smith Cooper had an inclusive culture but also had the specialist VAT and other advisory teams I would need to build a new portfolio of work in the landed estates and private client sector. I had to convince them to take a risk and take me on since they were not really looking for a new partner.”

What has been your biggest challenge and biggest achievement so far?

“Biggest challenge – closing the Buxton office and integrating into Ashbourne. Biggest achievement – becoming part of that team and going on to lead a fantastic group of people. Second biggest achievement is building an entirely new portfolio of a new type of client for the firm.”

What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

“In the next 10 years I’m most looking forward to building the team and client base in the rural sector particularly and making sure that when I am ready to hang my notepad up, they are all set to continue to evolve and grow.”