The stories of our team are shaped by a wide range of professional experiences - many beginning in Big Four and Top 10 firms, others began their careers in fast‑paced regional practices or international roles.
These backgrounds brought exposure to complex clients, demanding environments and high expectations, all of which continue to influence the way the team at Shorts approach their work today. What matters most, though, is how that experience is used: shared openly with colleagues, applied with care to client relationships, and brought into a culture that values balance, collaboration and genuine connection.
This is the story that our people tell.
From global firms to local impact
Many of our senior team members started their careers in large national or international firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Grant Thornton, BDO, Buzzacott and other top‑tier practices. They bring with them deep technical ability, resilience, and insight gained from exposure to diverse industries and multinational groups.
“I applied to all of the Big Six at the time, interviewed with them all - and received offers from each. But one thing always mattered most to me when making my choice: the people.”
For some, Big Four culture was their introduction to the profession. For others, it involved time abroad, working within international networks and learning to operate across complex structures and geographies.
“I spent two years on international secondment in Australia. You learn resilience, independence, and how to thrive in completely new environments.”
Whether in London, Melbourne, New Zealand, Nottingham or Leicester, these experiences created rounded professionals with a global outlook - skills they now bring to Shorts’ clients every day.
Big‑Firm expertise, delivered differently
For many, the move to Shorts followed a crossroads moment: a desire for meaningful work without sacrificing quality of life. One senior manager described the shift candidly:
“There was an expectation of overtime in my previous role, and when everyone else is doing it, it becomes the norm. I wanted a better work‑life balance and somewhere more approachable.”
Another shared how surprising the reality was after joining:
“I thought I’d be stepping down in complexity. Actually, it’s the opposite - the work and the industries we work in are more challenging than I'd expected. If anything it’s been undersold, in a good way.”
Clients at Shorts include substantial private groups, multi‑entity structures, international operations and specialist industries. The work demands technical curiosity and adaptability, often mirroring the scale of London‑based audit portfolios, but with the autonomy and variety that comes from a more agile, partner‑led environment.
A culture where expertise isn’t lost - it’s amplified
A recurring theme across team stories is the culture of approachability. Where larger firms sometimes dilute personal connection, Shorts prioritises it.
“When I joined, the partners made it clear: we don’t expect you working late or sending emails at night. They’d lived that life and didn’t want to repeat it - or expect others to.”
This is more than a message it’s a practice. Teams speak openly about support, trust, and the unusual feeling of “belonging quickly.”
“Everyone’s so willing to help. It doesn’t feel like I joined a year ago, it feels like I’ve worked with my team for years.”
For many who have come from larger firms, this is the defining difference: the level of independence, encouragement and ability to shape your own career direction.
Challenging work, human scale
Feedback from our team tells us that the work here doesn't always meet their prior expectations - in a good way. The variety, the technical depth and the mix of clients often catch people by surprise, especially those who’ve come from larger firms.
“The first job I did was auditing a quarry which was something completely new to me. It was incredibly technical. The level of judgement and the complexity of issues have stretched me more than I expected.”
Another senior manager reflected:
“Clients here are very similar to those I saw in the Big Four - sometimes almost identical in scale. It’s a misconception that smaller firms mean smaller work. It’s simply not true.”
Throughout team conversations, there is a consistent message: Shorts delivers the same complexity and challenge as the larger firms, but without the burnout.
A team where people truly grow
Many join Shorts seeking balance but stay because of the opportunity. The firm’s growth over the last decade has been significant, opening doors to more international work, multi‑disciplinary collaboration, and fast‑paced technical development.
“The growth has been dramatic. None of us expected it, but it’s given us broader work, more intellectual challenge, and opportunities we might not have had elsewhere.”
Career progression here isn’t about waiting in line. It’s about contribution, capability, and being trusted to lead.
Advice from those who’ve made the leap
We asked our team: What would you say to someone considering leaving a Big Four or Top 10 firm to join Shorts?
The answer was remarkably consistent:
“Come and talk to us. Meet some of our people. If you reach out to someone on LinkedIn and ask for a coffee, they’d happily meet you. Visit the offices. You might be surprised at what you see.”
Because behind every conversation is a shared story of someone who once wondered the same thing, and has since built a fulfilling, balanced and impactful career here. Interested in reaching out? - speak to Laura Collins
Expertise in action — At every level
At Shorts, we don’t just benefit from the big‑firm experience our people bring, we celebrate it.
Their knowledge enhances our technical strength, their standards elevate our client service, and their stories shape a culture where ambition and wellbeing genuinely coexist.
This is what expertise looks like in action.
This is how our people set the standard.
Michelle Adams
Michelle Adams is the Senior People Manager at Shorts, where she leads initiatives focused on supporting, engaging, and developing colleagues across the firm. With over 30 years’ experience in people management across a range of industries, Michelle brings deep expertise in employee relations, leadership development, and building inclusive workplace cultures. She is CIPD‑qualified, a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), holds certified Level A/B psychometric assessment credentials, and is a member of the Institute of Leadership. Passionate about creating environments where people feel valued and empowered, Michelle partners closely with leaders and teams to shape a positive culture rooted in trust and genuine care. Since joining Shorts, she has played a key role in progressing the firm’s people strategy, helping introduce new initiatives and strengthening the support available to employees at every level.
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