Welcome to our series, ‘Meet the Team’, where we meet the people behind the businesses in the Channel Islands to find out what they’re doing and what makes them tick.
Phillip Callow, Managing Director at Moore Stephens in Jersey and Guernsey, brings decades of experience in accountancy and leadership, having worked his way from trainee roles through to partner positions before relocating to the Channel Islands 18 years ago. We’re delighted to sit down with Phillip in this Q&A to learn more about his career journey, what inspires him, and his vision for the future of Moore Stephens.
Tell us about your career background and how you came into your current role?
After school, I studied economics and chemistry and originally wanted to work in the petrochemicals industry, but there were no jobs available. So, I took what I could get and began working in a mushroom canning factory, where my role was lifting containers onto a production line.
That eventually pivoted into a managerial role in quality management and a management trainee scheme. However, I had ambitions and I wanted to be a director on the board of a listed company, and when I looked around, most of these were accountants or lawyers, so I decided it was time to train as an accountant.
I received my chartered accountancy qualification and followed the traditional path of a few years’ work becoming a manager, senior manager, and then partner in a number of firms before moving to Jersey 18 years ago.
What’s your favourite part of your current role?
I love the people aspect and the people-facing side of the job as well as the commercial aspects of growing a business. I enjoy helping the team to grow and develop and fostering relationships with clients (new or existing).
What’s the best thing about working at Moore Stephens?
I love the culture and the autonomy. Our firm spans ten jurisdictions, with over 350 people – and we’re also part of the Moore Global network with 37,000 people in 116 countries. But for our business here in Jersey and across the Channel Islands, we have a lot of autonomy in our strategy which lets me grow the business in a way that works for Jersey, for myself, and for my team.
What motivates you day to day?
I’m naturally motivated. I’m one of those people who gets out of bed looking forward to what the day brings. Everyone has challenges in their work, but once you accept that, it’s not a burden, it’s just part of the job. That mindset keeps me optimistic and enthusiastic.
My motivation comes from knowing what we’ve built here: the culture, the autonomy, and the people. That’s what gives me the drive to keep going and keep building, day after day.
What advice would you give to your younger self at that time?
Looking back, I’d tell myself to lean into whatever situation you’re in and take something valuable out of every opportunity, however difficult it may seem at the time.
I would also tell myself to be authentic. I spent some time trying to pretend to be what I thought people wanted me to be and that was wasted energy.
Looking ahead, what do the next few years at Moore Stephens look like from your perspective?
Continuing to build the business, especially the team. We have some wonderful people here, and one of the most important roles of a leader is to develop the next level of leadership.
My focus is on developing the people in my team, supporting them with rising to the next level and bringing others through to strengthen the company. That way we build a strong hierarchy and a business that lasts beyond any one individual.
Who or what inspires you?
Definitely my parents. We didn’t have much when I was growing up, but they instilled a strong work ethic in me – never asking for handouts and always working hard for what you want. That has shaped my whole life and still inspires me today.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love motorbiking, when I can. Jersey is wonderful for it because you can get around the island in an hour or take three or four hours on a sunny day and really enjoy it.
People sometimes complain it’s small, but there’s so much to see if you take delight in the simple things.
I also love cooking. When I lived in the UK, I had a two-hour commute each way. But here I can use that time to prepare a meal. I find chopping vegetables cathartic, and it’s a nice contrast to the formulaic world of accountancy.
You’ve spoken about how much you value your team. What makes them special?
They’re extremely talented and deeply committed. When I leave in the evening, there are often still people working to get things done. They’re focused on client service and genuinely invested in the business, not just here for a pay check.
That makes me want to do everything I can to support them. I see leadership as being at the bottom – my job is to free them up to succeed. If they need support, I’m there, but otherwise they have the freedom to get on with what they’re already brilliant at. For me, that’s the perfect team.
What sets Moore Stephens apart from other firms?
Our focus on relationships and our pragmatic approach. In audit and accounting, people often think everything is black and white, when in reality the world isn’t like that, it’s grey. We work with clients to find solutions, not just say “that’s the standard” and walk away.
Strong relationships mean that even if there’s a problem, you can work through it. Without them, problems just become excuses to walk away. That’s why relationships are at the heart of what we do.
Moore Stephens is a great firm with a fantastic group of people. I’m fairly visible in Jersey – tall, white-haired, often spotted walking down the high street. If someone reads this and thinks, “maybe I should talk to Philip about being my auditor or accountant,” then I’d welcome an introduction!
Moore Stephens Channel Islands has offices in Guernsey and Jersey providing wealth structuring, corporate and fund administration, accounting, audit and assurance services. For more information, please contact the Jersey office by email or on 01534 880088, or the Guernsey office on 01481 811700 or via email.
