We are proud to feature in the JEP Business Insight October Feature, which reflects on their career journeys, what’s changed over the years and what it’s like to grow with a firm over the long term.
Read the full article below:
At Alex Picot Trust, longevity is something we know a little about. Last year, we celebrated 140 years of the firm’s history — 140 years of change, growth and evolution. Throughout those years, our people have helped shape its success; bringing their knowledge, experience and commitment to each new generation.
That sense of loyalty continues today. For a firm of around 60 people, it is particularly special that one in five of our team has been with us for more than 10 years. Last year, we celebrated Solange Rebours, Operations Director, reaching an incredible 40 years with the firm, and this year brings two more important career milestones.
Chris Cotillard marks 20 years with Alex Picot Trust, while Amy Brown celebrates 15 years. Both joined at the start of their careers and have become valued members of the team.
So, what keeps people here for the long term? And what does a career of 15 or 20 years look like from the inside?
Chris Cotillard
Chris joined Alex Picot Trust straight from university in 2006, starting out as an Audit Trainee. Over the past 20 years, he has grown with the firm, becoming a Director in 2014 and a Shareholder the following year, and has played an important role in its continued success. Outside work, Chris has also kept busy raising a family and representing the Island for rifle shooting.
What was it like when you first joined, and what’s changed most?
A lot has changed! When I joined it was a much smaller firm, with partners rather than directors with less areas of specialism. The business was also split between the trust company and the accountancy practice, with the two areas becoming separate firms in 2018.
Technology has moved on enormously too. We were in a very different office which had a fax machine and a lot more physical post, and there wasn’t a HR function. In many ways, it’s a very different business today.
What’s been your career highlight?
There have been a few, for very different reasons. I’m proud of achieving the highest final marks in the Channel Islands for my Chartered Accountant exams, and becoming a Director by the age of 30 was another real highlight.
More than that, though, was the trust placed in me by the retiring partners to help carry the business forward through a period of change. That was particularly special.
What advice would you give a trainee today?
I’d recommend an accountancy qualification — it has proved incredibly useful and versatile throughout my career.
I’d also say that the grass isn’t always greener. If you’re at the right firm, trust the process. You don’t necessarily need to move somewhere else to succeed.
Amy Brown
Amy joined Alex Picot Trust straight from Jersey College for Girls in 2011, starting out in Accountancy. Over the past 15 years, she has taken on new challenges and followed her career into a different area of the business, becoming Tax Manager in 2022. Outside work, Amy enjoys keeping active and travelling, including taking time out to travel around Africa, Asia and America in 2019.
What’s your favourite thing about working here, and what’s changed?
It’s the people! The friendly, supportive atmosphere is a big reason I’ve stayed. There’s great team spirit, everyone is willing to help each other, and I’ve had the opportunity to develop my career and work with lots of different people.
A lot has changed – the business has grown, technology has moved on and the way we work has evolved – but the culture has remained the same and it still feels like a friendly place to work.
What do you enjoy outside work, and how important is that time?
I like to keep active and spend as much time outdoors as I can. I enjoy paddleboarding, boxing, sea dips, and holidays. Having a good work-life balance is important to me. Being able to switch off and enjoy time away from work means I come back feeling refreshed, which is important for both wellbeing and enjoying your job.
What advice would you give a trainee starting out in finance?
I didn’t really know what to expect from a career in finance. I’d applied to university to study Sports Science but wasn’t sure what career I wanted. I decided to get a job in finance and see where it took me – and 15 years later, I’m still here!
I’d say don’t worry if you don’t know everything when you start – that’s what being a trainee is for. There’s lots to learn, but you’re surrounded by people who can support you, with plenty of opportunities to develop and take on more responsibility.