Staff Profile: Jessica Barnes

What inspired you to pursue a career in insolvency?

I actually wanted to get into insolvency! A lot of people are surprised and say, “Oh, really?” because everyone else just kind of falls into it.

When I was in high school, my dad worked for a company that went into voluntary administration. He gave me the reports to read. I just found the process so interesting.

I think it was probably around the time when I was making career choices and picking subjects, and I just thought, that’s what I want to do. So, after I finished my accounting degree, I looked for an insolvency graduate job, and my career went from there.

So you’ve only ever worked in insolvency?

Yes. I’ve worked for two firms previously. I was at the first firm for 11 years, then at the second for a few years before COVID, and then I took a career break to raise my children. In both firms, I worked on corporate and personal insolvency matters.

How did you come to be working at B&T?

I’ve got three young kids, and recently I decided I wanted to get back into part-time work. I told my husband my plan, and that exact same day, a recruiter messaged me on LinkedIn and said, “If you’re looking for anything, let me know.”

I rang him and said, “Excellent timing. Yes, I am.”

He told me about a great opportunity at B&T Advisory, and I’ve been here for just over a month.

How have you found the transition back to work?

It’s nice having a different challenge from home life.

I’m working remotely, so there’s the challenge of being my own company all day, but I’m enjoying it so far.

What does your role at B&T involve?

I’m working with Neil as part of his team.

At the moment, I’m working on a few existing files and supporting the team on matters as they come up.

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

Professionally, I would probably say getting my qualifications as a chartered accountant.

Personally, it’s my kids… obviously!

What is the most rewarding aspect of the work you do?

Insolvency can be an emotional process for everyone involved, but I think it’s just being the person who can guide people in a professional and reassuring way.

What have you learned from colleagues that has made you better at your job?

I’ve worked with some great people, and I think you draw inspiration from each of them by watching how they operate and what you like or don’t like.

A couple of things have really stood out for me.

One of the first practitioners I worked for as a graduate said, “Have a go, because pretty much anything can be fixed if you make a mistake. So, don’t be afraid.”

Another practitioner always said to the team, “Never burn a bridge,” because you never know when you’ll see that person again or if you might need something.

I think they’re the two standouts.

Is there a book or podcast that has influenced you recently?

I wish I had time!

I don’t even remember the last book that I read. I’ve got books sitting on my bedside table now. One day. One day.

What would you like people to know about you as part of the B&T team?

I’m excited to work with the team at B&T Advisory. One of the things that was important to me when getting back into insolvency was working in small teams and working closely with people.

I’m a very shy person, so part of me feels like, “Don’t write anything about me,” but here we are!

They’ve been really welcoming, so I’m loving my time here.