Stephen Harris
Partner
I graduated from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (as it was then known) with an accounting and finance degree. I joined Haines Watts, a national firm, initially as an auditor before moving into Corporate Tax. Since then, I have worked with entrepreneurial clients nationally both at Haines Watts and more recently Azets specifically focusing on their corporate tax requirements such as restructuring, M&A, exits and tax reliefs.
Qualifications- BA (Hons) ACA CTA
My background is with owner managed clients and being involved in many different aspects of their business. Whether this be specifically tax planning/advice or more generalised business advice, having that relationship to add value to their business is key. I become invested with clients and want to help them achieve their goals.
Professional memberships/directorships- ICAEW and CIOT
I don’t have one specific highlight. I’ve been very fortunate to work with a lot of excellent people over the years which has resulted in some fantastic experiences throughout my career. One thing that always makes me laugh, was when I got my first role in accountancy after moving from Carlisle to Newcastle, the local Cumbrian paper ran a article on me with the headline “local man gets job in big city”. I don’t think that classes as a “highlight” though. Did you always want to be an accountant I stumbled into accountancy. My strongest subject at school was maths and therefore it was suggested to me to follow a career in accountancy. I did some work experience and that was that, accountancy was the chosen career choice!
Hobbies and interestsA lot of my activities seem to centre around sport. I’m a very keen football fan, supporting Carlisle United, but will happily watch just about any sport. I regularly play squash both with friends and for a team in Newcastle. Outside of sport, I spend as much time as possible with family and friends.
