Karen Chilton, Regional Manager for our Reading office, tells us about her most memorable placement

Karen Chilton | Regional Manager 

When did you join Marks Sattin and what is your role within the business?

I joined Marks Sattin in July 2013 and was presented with the opportunity to build a new desk looking after the accountancy practices in the Thames Valley region. My role has evolved over the years and I am now the regional manager for our Reading office and I love it! I recruit into a range of different sized accounting firms from the Big 4 to the smaller local independent practices. I also look after in-house tax and audit positions. 

What are the highs and lows of your role?

Luckily for me there are far more highs than lows! The best part of my job is getting to know the people who I have genuinely helped, for instance candidates that have been presented with career boosting opportunities and my clients who have employed high calibre talent that I helped source. I get on well with all my clients and candidates and I have built long lasting relationships with them over the years. Alongside this I get to work with a great team in a stunning office and have been spoilt with many perks ranging from eating at Michelin star restaurants to spending weekends in Marbella. The lows are the usual you can expect within recruitment – sometimes things don’t go my way but they are far outweighed by the highs! 

What is your most memorable placement?

All of them are memorable but my favourite placement so far was helping someone get back on track after they had their initial training contract terminated due to exam failure. I helped this candidate get a role in an amazing firm in the Thames Valley where they could continue their ACA studies. Hearing the positive stories of how well they are doing makes my job even more rewarding!

Random fact about you?

I worked as an air hostess after leaving college and met a range of famous faces, but the most notable was the Dalai Lama!