Paul Hopkinson

Title: Accounts manager
Department: Accounts and management information
Location: Tokyo


I studied mathematics at University of Leeds & Paris Sud (XI), followed by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification after joining Herbert Smith in October 2004.

For the first few years I was supported in my CIMA, which was a big investment for Herbert Smith. Not only did it help me understand my job better, but it also enabled me to take on more responsibility.

My recent move to the Tokyo office on secondment has given me many new challenges and I have really enjoyed being given the extra responsibility. There are many opportunities for international exposure at Herbert Smith. Tokyo is my second secondment as I worked in Singapore for five months in 2007/08.

With the current global strategy at the firm, if you want to travel whilst here then Herbert Smith can give you that opportunity. As I work in support I didn’t expect to have the chance of an international secondment. However, the firm has become increasingly global and realises the need to develop staff.

I have been involved in a number of corporate responsibility initiatives since I started at Herbert Smith. These include teaching French to schoolchildren and taking part in two triathlons for charities when in London.