AN AUDITOR who began working as a barmaid before being promoted to a senior cash controller at major sporting events has just joined a Swindon firm.

Hannah Churches supported her studies in accounting and finance by working as a volunteer bookkeeper before receiving a paid role in business development before she left university.

After joining a hospitality firm as a barmaid, she was promoted and worked on revenue protection at international fixtures like the Ryder Cup, British Grand Prix and Rugby World Cup.

She is now part of the team at Optimum as audit and assurance manager as the company puts its growth plans into action.

Hannah said: "“Having worked in finance since my career began, I was advised to join practice to get the necessary experience and fundamental skills under my belt, and since joining I don’t intend to leave.

"Each client is different and each sector has its own peculiarity which makes for interesting work. I really enjoy working as an auditor.

"The role has continued evolving and we are now primarily in an advisory role which suits my personality. Supporting clients, being a critical friend and being a bridge between compliance and our clients is very engaging.

"As an auditor you are exposed to hundreds of different businesses throughout your career, you are privy to things which most people don’t get to see.

"You get to see how things are made, observe different systems and processes, see how people are trained and see all the things which are usually hidden which I find fascinating.”

Hannah will be working closely with Optimum's director Rob Stokes to support a growing list of clients which include corporate firms, charities and a range of academy schools.

Rob added: “Having worked with Hannah, I have seen her evolve from entering practice with little audit experience to leading on complex audits, and I knew she would be an asset for the firm.

"Her quest for knowledge combined with the ability to challenge both on a technical level and personal level makes her ideally placed to help our clients.

"Hannah has always been a very good communicator and has combined this with her inquisitive nature to good effect.

"She displays a passion for helping not just our clients but the team as well, through answering technical questions and offering guidance on how to practically apply laws and regulations, which made her joining in the new role of audit manager an easy decision for us to make.”