Dennis Law, Client Manager at SBP
Discussing his previous experience and how this has helped him grow and develop into his role at SBP, here's what Dennis had to say:
Can you describe your journey from School to qualifying?
I left Bankhead Academy back in 2003, where I went on to study a Computing HND at NESCOL for two years. On completion of this, I went to Robert Gordon University where I studied Accountancy between 2006 and 2011. I left school uncertain on what career path I wanted to follow, I have always enjoyed the more numerical side of education so accountancy became a natural career path.
I began studying ACCA in 2014 while employed by an oil and gas company and became fully qualified via SBP in July 2023 after joining the business in 2018. I had some personal setbacks throughout my studies that slowed down my progress and found that the move to SBP and the supportive environment embedded within the culture really helped push my development and gain back my confidence to advance in my career.
Having always been based in Aberdeen throughout my childhood and early career, it was an exciting move to the shire where I now work between our Banff and Fraserburgh offices. Location flexibility was a big selling point taking the role within SBP.
Can you give an insight into what you do at SBP day to day?
My role is a client manager where my focus and speciality lies in accounting, corporate tax and personal tax providing proactive guidance and support to my clients. I manage an ACCA Study assistance group inside SBP where I provide any guidance and assistance from my experience studying to a group of seven, in addition to managing daily operations for a staff of five across both locations.
What do you enjoy most at SBP?
There are lots of things I enjoy about my role, but working with clients and being able to provide support and help when needed to assist the growth of their business is one that I find extremely rewarding.
I also enjoy being part of a small team and watching them grow and develop within a supportive environment. This is one of the reasons why I set up the ACCA study support group within SBP. I enjoy being involved in such a supportive and motivational environment.
What has been your biggest challenge in your career so far?
The hardest thing for me was overcoming setbacks without letting them affect my career development. When I initially failed an ACCA exam, instead of dwelling on this and losing confidence in my abilities, I chose to let this be a learning curve and a push to try again and succeed.
How has SBP helped support you while working towards your ACCA exam?
SBP have supported me all the way through the ACCA exams that I have sat whilst working here, ahead of my exam they have allowed me time to study and revise within my working hours and I have also had a lot of help from ACCA qualified members of staff.
What advice would you give young people entering the industry?
Listen and learn, you never stop learning in this industry, so if you have the ability to listen, learn and take on constructive feedback you will go far. Also, as you are progressing through your career, take on the best qualities from the managers you encounter and apply them to your own career.
In terms of ACCA, find the best method of studying that works for you and also don't be afraid to go “out of the box” when it comes to study materials such as podcasts or online lectures. The study text is not the be all and end all when it comes to ACCA exams.
One of my favourite quotes is: “Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency”, I have had many bumps in the road in both studying and work life, but I have not let them hold me back, arguably you learn more from failures than you do successes.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself
Since 2011, I have been volunteering at WrestleZone Scotland, an Aberdeen based Professional Wrestling company as a Treasurer and Senior Referee.