Camilla Stowell, 34, senior private banker, Coutts

I deal with clients of ultra-high net worth, both in the UK and internationally – people whose wealth is £30 million plus. Many are entrepreneurs and more wealth creates more complexities.

You’re dealing with people and management issues and I enjoy unpicking complex financial situations. The best fun is getting to know clients and getting the job done. I look after 20 to 25 clients who have their own quirks and the relationships only get better with time. Working here is a healthy combination of dealing with people and employing technical and analytical skills. Career progression with Coutts is clear and my aim is to get to the top.

Rasik Ahuja, 33, head of active advisory UK, EFG Private Bank

I’ve always wanted a career in banking and started out as an analyst in the late 1990s in India after qualifying as a chartered accountant.

I moved to London in 2000 to work with private high net worth clients (those who have more than £1 million to invest). Eighteen months ago I joined EFG Private Bank to build the advisory and structured products desk. We invest money across equities, unit trusts and hedge funds.

I’m skilled at problem-solving, financial analysis and negotiation, and it’s exciting to be working for one of the fastest growing private banks.

Tara Stonehouse, 29, audit manager, KPMG

Accountancy wasn’t always on the agenda, in fact I came to Newcastle to do a geography degree. I wanted a professional qualification and with KPMG I got my chartered accountancy qualification and an international secondment to Melbourne.

The thing about being in practice is the variety; one day I’ll be meeting with clients, the next I’m looking at business development in the North East – the breadth of people you meet is incredible. Plus, reviewing company records and statutory accounts, you get an insight into what is happening across a range of industries. I like that it’s a career where you can see progression; you know where you can go if you do well.

Jessica Henry, 24, senior tax accountant, Baker Tilly

After completing my degree in maths at Cardiff University, I joined Baker Tilly. It’s a decision I have never regretted. I work in corporate tax compliance, helping business clients to calculate their tax liability. It is a very dynamic industry. Not only are we faced with constant changes to the tax legislation, a demanding client base and tight deadlines, but there is also the study to support the steep learning curve.

My favourite aspect of the job is visiting and understanding clients, from large listed companies to smaller owner-managed businesses. I have developed some strong client relationships since joining the firm.

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