Q&A with Dominick Knight

• Why did you choose to go into accountancy?

I didn’t really know what to do after University… I had an interest in business and finance, so I thought I couldn’t go too wrong in audit, as it would be a good grounding with some transferable skills if I wanted to do something else. I suppose working towards another qualification also felt familiar and safe!

• What do you enjoy about your job, and what motivates you?

I enjoy solving problems. Audit is open to interpretation and judgement, which means it can be bent to your will to give options or solutions to clients… It can be an art, not a science. I’m genuinely motivated to provide the best possible outcome for clients, whether it’s always appreciated or not!

I love the privileged position we hold as auditors, welcomed into a business with unlimited access to records and the opportunity to meet some very interesting and successful people, learning about their business. I’ve built some close, long-term relationships with clients, and I’m motivated to be someone they come to for advice or help.

Audit is also a team sport, it is very rewarding helping someone, complete tough jobs together and seeing people progress in their careers.

I could go on; it can be challenging at times, but I do love it.

• What is the most important life lesson you have learnt in your career that you wish you had known earlier?

I struggle to follow my own advice, so anything I say here will sound a bit hypocritical.

I’m still learning all the time; not just professionally, but more importantly about myself and people close to me… so I would say to keep open to learning, open to being wrong yourself to get things right for others.  

• What is one thing that accountants can help businesses with that they might not be aware of?

I think accountants instinctively weigh up all costs and benefits to make informed decisions, and that mindset doesn’t always switch off outside of work. That doesn’t mean we’re the best decision makers, as we’re probably too naturally risk-averse!

So I’d say business leaders without a good accountant may be missing key information, variables and perspective when making decisions.

• What do you think is the biggest challenge facing businesses today?

Businesses are facing loads of significant challenges… I think more and more we get very excited about issues with the media, etc, hyping it up. I’ve always found my clients to adapt, get on with it and generally cope ok, whether it’s Brexit, Covid or whatever…

So, if I had to, I’d probably say how to get business to adapt to challenging technology / AI, but introducing computers/email for the first time was a bigger deal?

• What is your proudest professional achievement?

I’m very proud to have gained Responsible Individual (RI) status and ultimately to sign my first audit report.

In terms of a single achievement, I was very pleased to be named in the 35 Under 35 by Accountancy Age when I was just about still eligible.

• Who would you pick to play you in a film adaptation of your life?

Ben Affleck has already played an Accountant, I think, so let’s give him the role.

• Pineapple on pizza? Yes or no?

I wouldn’t order it, but wouldn’t say no to a slice.

• What three things would you take with you to a desert island?

Assuming my wife, kids (and cats?) are not an option… I’d take my laptop, phone and golf clubs.