In a candid conversation it becomes clear why James has achieved such success in his career so far (and there’s plenty still to come). Starting his journey at BDO as a Cadet, James quickly climbed the ranks to Manager before taking on a secondment in the UK. After returning to Sydney in 2016, he transitioned to Senior Manager, but the entrepreneurial itch soon led him to establish his own advisory firm Ainsworth Advisory, where he served as a virtual CFO for multiple clients.

In a pivotal moment, James returned to BDO in 2021 as a Partner and became Partner-in-Charge just a year or so later. His story is one of growth, resilience, and seizing opportunities when they arise.

Throughout our conversation, James shares his passion for people and clients, offering valuable insights on the power of authenticity and the impact of delivering exceptional service in building a sustainable client base. We also explore the challenges of the accounting industry, the importance of work-life balance, and the undeniable value of surrounding yourself with a strong team to achieve success.