Celebrating 40 years with JW Hinks: A Q&A with managing partner Neal Aston

We sat down with Neal Aston, who recently celebrated 40 incredible years at JW Hinks, to discuss his journey from a junior audit trainee to Managing Partner. Reflecting on his career, Neal shared his thoughts on how the firm has evolved, the challenges he faced along the way, and the values that have kept him dedicated to JW Hinks for four decades. Here is what he had to say about his time with the firm and his vision for the future.

Q: Neal, you have been with JW Hinks for 40 years now. Can you tell us a bit about how it all started?

Neal Aston: I started at JW Hinks on 1 October 1984, when I was 19. I came straight from school after my A-levels, which did not go quite as planned. I did not get the grades for university, and truth be told, I was not sure I wanted to go. I was more interested in getting a job, initially looking at a career in banking or insurance. But I did not get very far with those applications. Eventually, I applied for a junior audit role at JW Hinks. I did not get the job initially – they offered the positions to three other candidates. Luckily for me, one of them changed their mind and joined NatWest Bank, so I was called back for a second interview. And that is how my journey began.

Q: What was it that made you stay at JW Hinks all these years?

NA: To be honest, I never had a grand plan to become an accountant. My original dream was to be a journalist, but after a not-so-great work experience stint, I switched focus. When I started at JW Hinks, my parents encouraged me to stick with it for at least a year. I did not know if I would stay long-term, but as it turned out, I found my footing here. The work was challenging, but rewarding, and the firm invested in my education and development. I did not seriously consider leaving until the late 90s, when I was offered another job. I decided to stay, and I have never regretted it.

Q: Your path to qualification was not exactly straightforward. Could you walk us through that?

NA: After joining JW Hinks, I had to go back to college in the evenings to get more A-levels to qualify for the ACCA exams. I struggled with that, failing some of my exams. I eventually pursued the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) route, which allowed me to start my professional qualifications. I then sat the ACCA exams through correspondence courses and evening classes. I was not exactly a star student at first – I failed my final exam on my first try, but my wife, Carole, encouraged me to keep going. Six months after our daughter, Emily, was born, I passed that final hurdle in 1995.

Q: What did your career progression look like after qualifying?

NA: After qualifying, I became an Audit Manager in 1997. I held that role until 2006 before being promoted to associate and then becoming a partner in 2007. It was not a fast climb, but it felt right. I was lucky to have mentors like David Thursfield and Brian Hadfield, who saw potential in me and gave me my first opportunities. I was always focused on building relationships and creating a positive, approachable image for the firm.

Q: How did you transition to the role of Managing Partner in 2015?

NA: Becoming Managing Partner was a huge honour. When the previous managing partner Paul Jones retired in 2015, I took on the role. I like to think my approachability and focus on retaining the firm’s traditional values helped along with a collective desire from all partners to continually embrace change in a fast-moving world. I never saw myself as a typical ‘grey suited’ accountant and I have always tried to ensure that JW Hinks remains a friendly, approachable firm with a family-like culture. I want people to feel comfortable coming to work, and I love hearing laughter in the office. It is about creating a positive environment for both our staff and our clients.

Q: Tell us more about modernising the firm while keeping traditional values. How have you done that?

NA: It is about balance. I am a traditionalist in many ways – I believe in good service, good manners, respect, and courtesy – but I also believe in embracing change. When I became Managing Partner, it was important that if we as a firm wanted to modernise then it was just as important to retain the firm’s culture without losing what made it special. For example, we introduced more team-building activities, like our annual away days, which have been really popular. I also like to think I encouraged a more open, collaborative atmosphere.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned during your time at JW Hinks?

NA: The biggest lesson I have learned is that people need to be themselves. The accountancy profession in the 1980’ s was quite different to the modern day, and I have always believed that if you are true to yourself then you will build meaningful long-term relationships with clients, staff, and contacts along the way. I have discovered that being down to earth and approachable often means that people will want to work with you, someone who is knowledgeable but also friendly and genuine. I always tell the younger members of our team to be themselves, and if they are, the clients and contacts will come.

Q: Finally, what are your plans for the future?

NA: I will be 60 next year, and while I do not plan to retire at 60, I do see myself stepping back at the right time. I believe in knowing when it is time to hand over the reins. We have a strong group of younger partners coming through, and I am confident they will continue to take the firm forward whilst retaining the firm’s core values.

Congratulations to Neal on reaching 40 years at JW Hinks! His journey is a testament to the incredible opportunities the firm offers to those who work hard and are committed to the team. Neal’s success story highlights the rewarding career paths available at JW Hinks for dedicated professionals.