James Grimshaw

Hello, I’m James.

I’ve worked at Ecovis for just over two years, supporting the audit of a wide range of businesses across sectors including media, technology and private equity-backed companies. Prior to joining Ecovis I completed a MSc in Economics at the University of Exeter and spent 2 years travelling the world working as a chef on superyachts.

I enjoy the welcoming and supportive environment at Ecovis, as well as the level of responsibility and trust you’re given from an early stage in your career. The flexible working environment also allows for a great balance between delivering for clients and continuing to develop professionally.

I strive to build strong, collaborative relationships with my clients and provide a reliable point of contact throughout the audit process. By understanding their business and responding proactively to queries, I help give them confidence that their financial reporting and audit requirements are being managed effectively.

I’m particularly interested in how technology and automation can enhance the audit profession by reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency. This creates more time for auditors to focus on applying professional scepticism, analytical review and delivering greater insight to clients.

What are your favourite hobbies?

• Cooking, sailing, skiing, scuba diving, football and rugby

If you could choose an alternative career, what would it be?

• If I could choose an alternate career, I would be a scuba diving instructor in the Maldives.

My favourite meal is…

• It would have to be a medium rare ribeye steak with a red wine jus

My first job

• I worked as a pot wash in my local pub

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

• I trained with the 1RGR (1st Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles) in the Brunei jungle