Say hello to Carolyn, an Agile PA (Minute Taker) in the National Business Support Stream at BDO. Having been here over three years, Carolyn has carved out a unique role for herself, focusing on providing essential support through meticulous minute-taking. In our conversation, Carolyn shares her journey, the specifics of her role, and how she balances her professional responsibilities with her personal life.
Hi Carolyn, so we’re intrigued - what does an Agile PA Minute Taker do?
The role is split into two parts. I provide secretarial support, mainly aligned with the Audit Quality Department (AQD), but I also support other areas like information security meetings and audit exam trainee fails.
There are five Agile PAs who help partners across the firm, covering for annual leave or providing additional support as needed. Although I sit within the Agile PA team, my focus is entirely on note-taking.
Very nice! So how do you explain that to people who don't know anything about being a PA?
I would say that people get in a meeting, and I sit in the background with my computer, typing everything they say at breakneck speed to capture as much as possible accurately. It's like creating a script of the meeting!
This sounds incredibly important; tell us why it is, especially in the context of the Audit Quality Department?
With the audit quality meetings, we are regulated by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), so it's crucial to have an accurate representation of the discussions. My notes can range from one to nine pages, depending on the length and complexity of the meeting. The average is about seven or eight pages, and I try to break it down with questions to avoid a block of text.
I have a main big screen, my laptop, and a third screen. It's almost impossible to work off just a laptop because I need to have the Teams call, the document, and any supporting documentation open simultaneously. This setup means I work from home 99% of the time, as it's too much to manage in the office.
Ultimately, my work means that there’s an accurate representation of anything which has been discussed in these meetings, so it’s important to show transparency in what we do at BDO. I’m there to be document that.
So what were you doing before BDO, and how did you get into this role?
I started working for West Sussex County Council in 2018 as part of Capita's contract, doing reception work. When they realised I could type fast and listen attentively, I joined the note-taking team for children's protection services. I then moved on to child protection conferences, which could be two to three hours long. It’s quite an experience having to note-take for such a long period of time!
After a brief stint elsewhere, I returned to Capita and continued note-taking through COVID, handling up to 90 conferences a week. Yes, 90!
When you came to BDO, you must have had some misconceptions about the industry, right?
Initially, I thought accountants were going to be boring and that the work environment would be dull. However, BDO is fun, with many opportunities to get involved in committees, groups, and awards. The diverse culture and the various initiatives make it an exciting place to work.
And now you’ve been here a while, do you have any fun facts about BDO that no one else knows?
Very few people know that in the finance team in Gatwick, there's a chicken costume in the cupboard that they get out every Easter. They make one of their members of staff dress up in it and take pictures. Finance is a fun bunch!
So tell us how you got into note-taking as a career then?
I've done a million different jobs in various areas, from retail management to being a student midwife. I started my first admin job in 2006 when my eldest was a baby. I was able to work admin jobs around both boys because they gave me the flexibility that retail never could. My typing speed improved with practice, and I developed the ability to listen and type simultaneously, which is crucial for this role.
You mentioned your home set up, but how do you manage the physical demands of your job?
I make sure to get up, move around, and go for a walk at lunchtime to avoid stiffening up. The intense concentration can lead to headaches, so it's important to stay physically fit.
Luckily, I have a team and a manager around me who support my physical wellbeing, so I never feel like I’m stepping out the mark, putting my health first.
To be fair though, once the computer is off, it's off. I don't carry work with me, which is a relief compared to my previous roles. Working from home allows me to take breaks and go for walks, which helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Talk to us about your life outside work; how do you relax?
I love my audio books and always have one on the go when walking the dog or doing housework. Walking is important to stay flexible, and I also enjoy drawing. I designed a tattoo for a friend, which was a fun project. I try to push my mind towards creative activities to balance the tech-heavy workday.
Carolyn's journey at BDO highlights her adaptability, dedication, and passion for her work. From managing intense note-taking sessions to balancing her creative pursuits, Carolyn has found a fulfilling role that leverages her unique skills. Her story is a testament to the diverse opportunities at BDO and the supportive culture that allows employees to thrive both professionally and personally.