What is your job title?

Accounts Junior.

Give an overview of the duties, functions and responsibilities of your job.

My role consists of completing accounts, bookkeeping and tax/VAT returns for clients. On top of these tasks, I spend lots of time answering clients’ queries, which is probably the most rewarding part of the job.

What is a typical working day like for you?

Upon my arrival at work in the morning, I’ll make a coffee, then switch on my computer so that I can start going through all the emails I’ve received (I don’t like to leave people waiting, so this is always my priority). After I’ve responded to every single one of these, I’ll get to work on any accounts/bookkeeping I have to do.

When it comes to lunch time, my decision of what to do is based on the weather: if it’s nice out, I’ll walk to Asda (usually for exercise, rather than needing to buy anything); otherwise, I’ll stay indoors and eat with my colleagues.

After lunch, I’ll respond to any new emails before getting on with the work that’s been assigned to me.

What particular challenges do you regularly encounter?

The most common challenge I encounter is dealing with tax-related questions from clients that I don’t yet know the answer to. Fortunately, there is plenty of support on hand in the office – all I have to do is ask my training mentor (or anyone, really) for the information I need to respond to the client.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by your clients?

In my experience, the most frequent challenge faced by my clients is getting to grips with how to record their income and expenses in a way that is conducive to preparing their accounts. Another common challenge for clients is understanding how their tax bill is calculated by HMRC.

How are you able to use your skills to solve problems for them?

I can use my interpersonal skills to reassure clients when they’re worried about something, or to explain a technical topic using terms that are easy to understand.

What is your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job (by far) is having the freedom to go above and beyond to solve problems for clients and provide a satisfactory response to any queries they may have. I know that I’d struggle in an environment where I’m not able to take whatever time is required to assist a client, so I’m really grateful that I’m always in a position to help out as much as I can.

What do you like most about working for The Accountancy Partnership?

Every single one of my colleagues is very friendly and helpful, so I feel comfortable talking to anyone and everyone in the office.

What skills do you find most useful to do your job?

Perhaps surprisingly (or not?), I have found my interpersonal skills to be my most useful attribute whilst working for The Accountancy Partnership. The reason for this is that there are many clients who come to me with concerns about their accounts or tax return, in which case it is essential that I’m able to provide them with reassurance and advice. This has resulted in many clients having a positive experience dealing with their accounts/tax return, rather than a stressful or confusing one.

Where’s your favourite place to visit on days off?

I’m on a mission to try as many authentic Chinese restaurants as I can. I’m usually the only person there who exclusively speaks English, but it’s worth it for the food.

Also, I recently bought a Chester Zoo membership for my partner and I, so I expect to spend a lot of time there over the next year.

Tell us about your proudest achievement.

Getting this job at The Accountancy Partnership.

How would your colleagues describe you?

Quiet, until I overhear a conversation that piques my interest… then not so quiet.

What are you reading/binge watching at the moment?

I’ve been reading lots about Asian politics and history, so that I have something to discuss/debate with my Chinese partner (who knows very little about my usual talking point: European politics and history).

Who do you admire, and why?

My more senior colleagues – they were all a junior at some point, and after years of hard work they’ve gained the skills and experience required to take on a large portfolio of clients.

What question would you really like to answer, and what’s the answer?!

What kind of music do I listen to? All kinds of metal, but usually melodic death metal.

 
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