AN ILKLEY man has been accredited as a member of STEP - the leading professional qualification for trust and estate practitioners.

Until November 2013 John Adams had been in general practice in Ilkley as a chartered accountant for over 25 years when he semi-retired, retaining only trust, settlement and related tax clients. Last year he studied for the STEP Diploma for Accountants and Tax Practitioners.

"The course content is in four modules, usually studied one at a time over two years, typically by those working in the private client legal profession," said Mr Adams. "I completed the diploma course in five months, took the exam in November and passed, achieving jointly with another candidate the highest mark. Having passed the exam and with the required practical experience I am now a full member of STEP. STEP membership is acknowledged as the leading professional qualification for trust and estate practitioners.

"I had not taken an exam for nearly 40 years. The last exams I took were to qualify as a chartered accountant and prior to that I gained a 1st class honours degree as a mechanical engineer, so I can sharpen my own pencils.

"I love the work I am now doing, providing planning, accounting and taxation advice for trusts, estates and associated individuals for both my clients and to other professional firms and my work life balance has improved immensely."