We sat down with Peter Sym, Audit Partner at UNW, who recently celebrated a significant milestone—ten years with the firm. Having joined as a graduate trainee in 2014, he has steadily risen through the ranks to become a partner. In this interview, he reflects on the challenges he’s faced along the way, the key experiences that have shaped his career so far, and what excites him about the future of both the firm and the industry. Peter also shares invaluable advice for those just starting their careers and highlights the supportive, family-like culture that makes UNW unique.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work at UNW?
I actually grew up on a farm in Northumberland, a world away from anything to do with finance. It wasn’t until school that I developed an interest in numbers, which then led me to study Economics at Newcastle University. A contact at the time pointed me in the direction of UNW, and I was able to join the firm for some work experience. I was impressed by the supportive, close-knit culture at UNW, so when the opportunity for a three-month work placement came up in February 2014, I jumped at it. That placement kickstarted my journey at UNW, and I’ve never looked back.
Reflecting on your early days at UNW, what were the most significant challenges you faced as a new graduate, and how did you overcome them?
Coming from a non-accounting background, I found everything in my early days at UNW to be completely new and, at times, a bit daunting. The learning curve was steep, especially with the pressure of sitting 15 exams in the first couple of years, and a lot of weekends and evenings were spent studying. There’s no denying that this was hard work, but the massive benefits of it have given me valuable skills that I still use to this day.
What really made a difference for me was the incredible support I received from everyone at UNW. From day one, people were willing to help, whether it was answering questions or offering guidance, which was a huge relief during those early months. Going through the training contract alongside other graduates who were facing the same challenges was also a massive help. We leaned on each other, shared experiences, and built strong friendships that still last today. It’s those connections that helped me navigate the challenges and keep moving forward.
Can you take us through your journey to becoming a partner? What skills or experiences do you believe were crucial in your development?
My journey to becoming a partner has been quite an experience, and I’ve learned so much at every stage. During my training contract, I was thrown straight into client sites, working directly with clients as part of a small team. It was intense, but it really accelerated my learning. I don’t think I would have had those same hands-on opportunities at many other firms. Working on such a variety of clients from the start gave me a solid foundation and helped me develop essential skills like teamwork and communication, which have been key throughout my career.
As I moved into management, and later into a senior manager role, I was responsible for a wider range of clients across different sectors, which I really enjoyed. Building long-term relationships with clients has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Working on a variety of clients has enabled me to really focus on understanding them and their businesses so I can provide real commercial insight and challenge where I think it’s necessary.
Something I’ve always been passionate about is people development. Offering guidance and support to our audit team has been a real highlight as I progressed through the ranks. I’ve loved seeing others grow and succeed, and I’m looking forward to continuing that as a partner.
Can you think of any key moments or decisions that helped you to this point?
One of the key factors that’s helped me get to this point has been the growth of our audit department in recent years. As the department expanded, it opened up so many opportunities for me to develop and take on new challenges. I’ve been lucky to be part of that growth, and it’s really pushed me forward in my career.
As you’d expect, there have been periods of change within the department over the last ten years, but it’s how the firm supported me during those times that has allowed me to continue taking steps forward in my career. The culture at UNW ensures that change is always viewed as a positive, and these periods, though sometimes challenging, become opportunities for growth and allow you to prove yourself. I believe they played a significant part in getting me to where I am today.
What do you think makes UNW a great place to work?
For me, what really makes UNW stand out is the culture. A lot of companies talk about having a family-like environment, but at UNW, it genuinely feels that way. Even with the significant growth we’ve seen over the past decade, we’ve worked hard to keep that close-knit, supportive atmosphere. It’s something I’ve always valued, and I’m passionate about making sure it stays that way as we continue to grow.
There’s also a great social side to working here, with plenty of opportunities for the team to connect outside of the office. Whether it’s through sports clubs, charity events, or just spending time together at various gatherings, these moments help strengthen the family feel that’s such an important part of UNW’s identity.
How do you see your role evolving, and what new responsibilities are you most excited about taking on?
Before my promotion, I was already handling a lot of the responsibilities that come with being a partner, like leading on client delivery and helping develop our team. But now, with the new role, I’ll be stepping into more direct responsibility, especially when it comes to my clients. I’ll be the one signing off on financial statements and acting as the key contact to make sure we keep delivering the best service.
I’m especially looking forward to continuing to help my clients navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Over the last decade, we’ve seen plenty—whether it’s been fall out from the financial crisis, the impact of Covid, or shifts in government policy. Drawing on those experiences, I feel well-equipped to support my clients through whatever comes next.
I’m also really looking forward to getting out into the marketplace more, building my network, and representing UNW in new ways.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work, and how do these interests help you maintain a work-life balance?
It’s been a brilliant year for me, both personally and professionally. My wife and I welcomed our first child, Evie, in February, and with my promotion on top of that, 2024 is going to be hard to beat! Most of my spare time over the over has been spent with Evie, which has been such a joy—though I can’t say I’ve loved the sleepless nights quite as much.
I didn’t have as much time to play golf over the summer, but I’m still a keen golfer with a scratch handicap (though I’m sure that will creep up over the next few years!). I’m also a huge Newcastle United fan and have had a season ticket for 20 years now. I try to squeeze in as much sport as I can because staying active has always been really important for keeping a healthy work-life balance.
What are some of the biggest changes in the industry that you’ve witnessed during your time at UNW, and how has the firm adapted to these changes?
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen over the past 10 years in the audit industry is how much technology has transformed the way we work. Tools like data analytics software and other programs related to the audit and accounts process have really changed the game. At UNW, we’ve made a big effort to stay ahead of these changes, making sure our team is trained on the latest software. It’s been exciting to see how this technology has helped us improve the quality of our audits and deliver even better results for our clients.
Having spent ten years with UNW, what excites you most about the firm’s future?
After ten years with UNW, what excites me most about the future is the incredible talent we have coming through the ranks. We’ve got some fantastic people, and I’m really looking forward to helping them develop and creating opportunities for more graduates to follow the same path I did and hopefully become homegrown partners too.
In recent years, we’ve made a conscious effort to build capacity within the audit team, not just at the partner level but also by bringing in a wave of talented new graduates. This growth has been significant year on year, and it’s really strengthened our position and created the capacity we need to expand our services and offerings to the marketplace.
And finally, what advice would you give to younger professionals who aspire to reach a partner level?
My best advice to those just starting their careers is to keep an open mindset and always be willing to seek feedback. It’s important to understand where you need to grow and to constantly look for ways to improve. At the same time, don’t try to be someone you’re not—play to your strengths and focus on what makes you unique. Progressing in your career is about finding that balance between working on your development areas and staying true to yourself.
