Interview with Fiona and Kelly

We are pleased to share an exclusive interview held by David Culley, Managing Director at Pure with Fiona Hirst, Director for People and Kelly Bretherick, Audit and Accounts Partner at PEM. 

This in depth overview provides valuable perspectives from the hiring team at PEM, their strategy for the future and insights into building a successful team and inclusive culture.

Q1. How does working for PEM differ from other firms or organisations you’ve worked for?

Fiona:
It’s a really exciting time at PEM as we plan our strategy for 2030. We’re focused on growth and building a great place to work while staying competitive in the market. Our reputation in Cambridge is strong, but we’re also looking to broaden our reach. What makes PEM stand out for me is the people—passionate, determined, and absolute experts in their fields.

Kelly:
Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do here. Whether we’re supporting clients to reach their goals or collaborating across teams internally, there’s a real sense of community. With 100 audit team members in our Cambridge office, we get to work with a fantastic mix of clients, from national charities to Cambridge Colleges and smaller organisations where we can really make a difference. No two days are the same, and working with such talented, supportive people makes it even better.

Q2. What are the key priorities for the firm from a people and culture perspective?

Fiona:
It’s simple—we want PEM to be the best place to work in Cambridge! To do that, we’ll build on our strengths, like learning and development and our brilliant trainee programmes, while looking for new ways to add value. We’re also proud of our community outreach and Charitable Trust. Looking ahead, we’ll invest in technology and data to help us grow, but we’ll always maintain the personal, human touch that makes PEM a great place to work.

Q3. What is the strategic plan for PEM, and how will you measure success?

Fiona:
We’re finalising our 2030 strategy for each business area, which will guide the decisions we make now and into the future. We have ambitious growth plans, and the whole firm is behind them. Success will be measured against clear milestones that we’ll hold ourselves accountable to.

Kelly:
For the Charities and Non-Profit team, we’ve got big plans to expand our client base, explore new directions, and support the amazing talent coming through our training programmes. It’s an exciting time for the team—we’re focused, motivated, and ready to deliver.

Q4. How do you expect this new Partner to contribute to the growth of the charities team?

Kelly:
We’re looking for someone who can help us grow our established client base and make the most of new opportunities. Our clients range from national non-profits to endowed charities, grant-giving foundations, and membership organisations. Partners here can shape a portfolio that suits their skills and interests.

We’re also focused on innovation—using data analytics to enhance audit quality and provide excellent, cost-effective services. With clients across the UK and many audits delivered remotely, there’s plenty of variety and opportunity. If you’re forward-thinking, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, this is a fantastic time to join us.

Q5. What qualities are you looking for in your new Partner?

Fiona:
This person will play a key role in PEM’s future, taking the Audit & Accounts team forward to 2030 and beyond. We want someone with energy, ambition, and fresh thinking—a team player who values innovation and diversity of thought. They’ll need to be comfortable making data-driven decisions, challenging the norm, and helping us grow.

Kelly:
We need someone passionate about the non-profit sector, technically strong with experience in the Charity SORP and possibly the FE/HE SORP. Communication is key, as is a commitment to training and developing a great team. PEM has a strong reputation in this sector, and we’re ready to build on it—this person will play a big part in making that happen.