Jamie Skelding has had one job for his whole career

A West Midlands accountant is celebrating 40 years at Prime Accountants Group, which he joined straight from school in 1986.

Jamie Skelding, now finance director at the practice with offices in Coventry, Solihull and Birmingham, is hitting this milestone in the same year he turns 60.

His career as a bean-counter got off to a rocky start when he “spectacularly” failed his early accountancy exams three times. 

But the firm, then known as Pilley and Florsham, recognised his potential and stuck with him. 

‘Many colleagues weren’t born when I started’

He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1996, becoming a partner in 2000 and a director in 2016.

“These days, people might have six or seven jobs in a career. Now I’m adding team members who weren’t even born when I started,” said Jamie.

“We used to spend 80 per cent of our time creating accounts from cardboard boxes. Now it’s about interpreting data and advising clients – far more satisfying.”

Prime’s managing director, Morgan Davies, praised Mr Skelding’s strong client relationships, exceptional work ethic and contributions to the firm’s growth and ambition.

“It’s thanks in no small part to his efforts that we’re in such a strong place,” Mr Davies said.