Ballards to take part in exchange programme with Australian firm

West Midlands-based Ballards has revealed it is taking part in a reciprocal international secondment programme, which will see its team members travel to Ashfords Accountants in Melbourne, Australia, later this year while the firm will be hosting Australian counterparts for the first time. 

Ballards, which is part of AGN International, said this means that the global association of accounting and advisory firms can easily facilitate an exchange programme for employees who want to advance their careers in a way that suits their lifestyle. 

This programme will allow employees to practice their skills in different counties while building relationships overseas. 

According to Ballards, the knowledge and connections this would bring will also help the firm meet the needs of clients that are part of international groups – a growing area for the firm. 

Tom Roscrow, audit and accounts senior from Ashfords Accountants, has been actively integrating with the UK firm to gain international experience and bring fresh ideas back to his home firm. 

Roscrow said: “The culture is very similar to the UK, especially the team dynamics that everyone is trying to create. Inclusiveness, open communication from top to bottom. Two of the company key values are the same as ours.

“Hotdesking has been the biggest surprise. The managers and partners back in Australia have their own offices, though it’s still an open plan with an open-door policy. Another noted similarity I’ve seen is that in department meetings everyone from partner down to the junior would be in it.”

Andy Bewick, partner at Ballards, who facilitated the secondment through the firm’s AGN membership, added: “International secondments like Tom’s are invaluable for both organisations. They create a cross-pollination of ideas and practices that strengthens our global association while providing talented professionals with broader career development opportunities. 

“Tom has brought a fresh perspective to our team, and we’re confident he’ll return to Melbourne with insights that will benefit Ashfords. This exchange exemplifies our commitment to our employees, our vast offering to clients and the collaborative spirit which is at the heart of our AGN membership.”