Attennshun! Exeter accountant gets army role

Taxing role for tax expert

Stand by your beds! A south west accountant has been called up to a leading army job!

Jean-Paul Quertier, who’s a tax accountant at big Devon firm Simpkins Edwards, was already a lieutenant colonel in the reserves before taking on a new position. Now he spends four days a week in the south west helping clients with their tax issues, and the other working day commanding the army training unit in the west, overseeing 500 recruits based at Wyvern Barracks in Exeter and Maindy Barracks, Cardiff. He’s responsible for basic training for army reservists. It used to be known as the territorial army.

Mr Quertier has been with them for 26 years, taking time out from accountancy to do more than just square-bashing or cleaning rifles. He’s served two operational attachments with the regular army, in Bosnia in 2002 and two years later in Afghanistan. He’s also served in Cyprus, Romania and the Ukraine.

The army's profit isn't necessarily a loss for his employers. Simpkins Edwards, where he is a partner, is celebrating his achievement, even though it means they're without him for one day a week. The firm's contribution to services roles has already been recognised by a silver award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Clients of the firm rarely know if the mild-mannered accountant who looks after their financial affairs is really a barking sergeant major in their spare time.

Of his new role, Mr Quertier says: “Our function is to train the army reserve soldiers of the future. These men and women will play a vital role in supporting the regular Army both in the UK and on overseas operations around the world.”