In recognition of International Women’s Day, Ballards LLP highlights Director Laura Barnwell’s journey from mathematics graduate to accounting leader.
Laura Barnwell, Director at Ballards LLP, discovered her interest in accounting through work experience at the accounting practice where her mother worked. With a Masters Degree in mathematics, Laura chose accounting for its practical applications and opportunities.
“I thought about going into research but decided I wanted something more practical, and accounting seemed like a good option with a lot of possibilities available,” she explains.
Laura joined Ballards directly from university and completed her ACA qualification, then progressing through assistant manager, manager, senior manager and now director. Her career strategy has proven effective: “I always took the opportunity to work above my level when I could, which really helped in my progression.”
Developing Through Specialisation
Laura’s career advanced when she began working with medical professionals. “I started working on accounts and tax returns for GPs and other medics a year or two after starting at Ballards and this has become my main specialism,” she explains. Today, she manages a client base that is approximately half GP practices.
“The NHS funding is always changing, and GPs have a lot of different issues to deal with as business owners who often don’t have any financial background. I feel like I can really provide value to these clients,” she says, highlighting her commitment to this complex sector.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Through persistence and hard work, Laura has overcome various challenges. “From school, sixth form and university, women were always in a minority in the subjects that I did. Being surrounded by men who are on the whole louder and more confident, I have found it hard at times to be heard,” she shares, reflecting on how these experiences strengthened her communication skills.
Laura embraces continuous learning. “It is a constant commitment to keep up with the change in accounting standards and tax rules,” she notes. “There is also a lot of change with technology to keep up with. At the moment we are looking at how to best use AI, and we have MTD for income tax coming in next year.” Her adaptability has contributed to her success.
Achieving Work-Life Balance
Laura has established a solid work-life balance through flexibility and strategic workload management.
“I feel that I have a good work-life balance. It really helps that we offer a lot of flexibility and I do use this to try and work efficiently,” she explains.
Laura adds: “Several of the partners at Ballards set a good example, showing that you don’t need to work excessive hours to be successful and sometimes there are more important things than work!”
Leadership Approach
As a director, Laura emphasises proactive management. “It is important, especially at manager level and above, to take ownership of your own workload and speak up when you realise that this is not manageable, as no-one else is going to do this for you,” she advises.
Her approach balances multiple responsibilities: “The main challenges for me are to balance advancing in my career whilst servicing my client base, progressing those below me, and making sure I have the time available to be the kind of person that people want to approach with problems and ideas.”
Laura Barnwell’s journey demonstrates how specialised expertise, proactive career management, and thoughtful work-life integration, combined with determination and hard work, can create a path to leadership in the accounting profession.
Ballards LLP is a leading accounting firm with particular expertise in healthcare financial management.