A week in the life … John Ellison.

A week in the life ... John Ellison.

John Ellison is chairman of KPMG Forensic Accounting

When Ellison is not jetting off to exotic locations as an expert witness, he enjoys a life on the waves and a spot of winter skiing.

We caught up with him and asked him to take us through a typical week in his busy life …

Monday

Arrive in the office at about 9am. I don’t go to the gym, but taking steps two at a time, run up the stairs. Day was spent checking through a client report of eight lever arch files, and meeting solicitors and counsel to discuss the case and my role as an independent expert witness.

Tuesday

Attend several meetings at chambers, met a client and interviewed a senior potential KPMG Forensic Accounting recruit. Go to a party in the evening where I catch up with a number of friends, and try to avoid several competitors!

Wednesday

Client work on a Saudi Arabian arbitration case; in the last year I’ve been out there six times. One time I had to negotiate the hire of a fishing boat so my team could go scuba diving; this is, after all, a country where alcohol is largely forbidden.

Thursday

Spend all day running around finalising the wine for the annual KPMG law lecture. We’ve invited the former attorney general Lord Gareth Williams, who is now leader of the House of Lords, to speak to our lawyer guests.

Friday

A debate with my team about new fraud and regulatory products was followed by our marketing and public relations meeting which gives us the chance to discuss what we are doing to develop and increase the profile of our European business.

Saturday

I went down to Hamble where my 26-foot Sea Cheetah boat is moored, and had a splendid time messing around. In wintertime, I love skiing, and that normally keeps me fit for the year.

Sunday

I had a relaxing time at home with my family including three sons aged 12, 14 and 16.

The 14 year old is clearly destined to be an accountant. At age six, William designed a computer program to calculate interest on overdue pocket money!

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