Is accounting more exciting than it sounds?

Well if your bonus is in the balance, a healthy set of financial statements is guaranteed to get the pulse racing. Whether we like it or not, all work is converted into a balance sheet, profit & loss and cash flow at the end of the day. The same cannot be said about a dentist's work for example.

Do you think accounts have a good image these days?

The whole profession, and the end product of financial reporting, did take a bit of a knock in recent years. However, accounting is a very necessary evil, and we would be lost without it. In fact [recent issues] were not about accounting, but rather a question of applying good corporate governance in an organization. It can be an additional administrative burden, but is actually a positive force for an entity, and the business environment as a whole. It lays down an open and honest approach as to how business should be conducted, and in my view ensures success if properly applied.

How did you get into it? And how did you end up doing it in Warsaw?

I started out in business at the age of 10, doing cross-border trade in rugby boots and flea collars between Zambia and Rhodesia, (now Zimbabwe), whilst traveling between home and boarding school. This paid my bill at the tuck shop [Ed.: a shop set in a school, that sells sweets and snacks]. I realized then that balancing the books was important if you wanted to have a coke and packet of crisps after school each day.

How competitive is it here?

In our market it depends what segment you are in. We work with the international law and audit firms; for international clients entering or active in the Polish market. As such, our market is smaller, but so too is the number of competitors. There is no trust business as such in Poland to compete with, and not that many decent providers. However it's not an easy business to be in, as people don't like to pay for admin or lunch.

What's the worst thing about your job?

I sign a hell of a lot of documents every day. I think the government has a massive filing room underneath the whole of Warsaw; either that or a big shredder?

Who's your biggest client?

Can't say; client confidentiality.

How long do you expect to stay in Warsaw?

I will be here another seven long winters I think. By then I hope to actually discover a person who celebrates "Carnival". What is that?

Realistically, do you expect to retire early?

Not really, as I am not sure what I would do. I just started really enjoying work, by having my own business. I have no office politics and no corporate line to tow; I just do what I think is best for everyone. I hope to think that the question of retirement will be about how much I am enjoying work, rather than a financial issue. In other words, it will definitely be a financial issue…

Where to?

No idea. I have close family in Poland, England, Zambia, Australia and Canada. That puts me in the Canary Islands, I think, if I want to see them all every now and then.

Do you get out of town on weekends? Where's the best place to go in Poland for a long weekend?

I don't get out very much. I have to coach an elite bunch of rugby players called the Warsaw Frogs every Saturday. I hear Białowieża, in the South East, is great, although I hear some expats spend long weekends in a place called Arena and seem quite happy with the service.

What car do you hope to be driving in five years?

An electric one we all hope.

What CD would you put in it for your first road trip?

Mango Groove. Classic…

What's better than sex?

Nothing; my girlfriend is an avid reader of CiJ.

If someone bet you €1,000 that you couldn't finish a marathon, would you try it?

Well of course, now that the Warsaw marathon is over.

What sports do you follow?

Principally rugby, but I enjoy all the major events when the stakes are high. I am looking forward to the World Cup, and to seeing who Sven ends up sleeping with on tour.

What sports do you play?

I still play rugby quite regularly. I take a gun with me on the pitch these days to teach the quick youngsters to respect their elders.

Best sportsman of all time?

Ever since 1974, in Zambia, when I got up at four in the morning to watch Ali somehow beat an invincible Foreman across the border in Zaire, I have always thought Ali is The Greatest. Have you seen When we were Kings?

Best accountant?

Huh? Gordon Brown I guess; he looks like he has the makings of a good accountant.

Who do you admire or respect most in business?

Reasonable people.

What's the best movie you've seen in the last 12 months?

Sadly I have to say I loved War of the Worlds. When I was at university in South Africa we had a tape of it, which we would listen to on our 1,000km trips between Grahamstown and Jo'burg. Problem was that the tape was too short, and I never did find out who won. Now I sleep easy.