Starting a new business? Get 40% off our accountancy services for 3 months! 😎
We talk to Harriet about her role as Head of Accounts at The Accountancy Partnership.
As the Head of Accounts, my main duty is ensuring our accountants are all happy coming to work, with monthly meetings, one to one catch ups, and daily ongoing support. I also have a team that I train on our systems and to complete accounts and tax returns.
My next priority is then our wonderful client base. I have my own clients who I service day to day, and thoroughly enjoy working alongside to complete their accounts, VAT, and personal tax returns. I also oversee any clients who may have queries relating to their accountant’s advice or service, which our client experience manager need my support with.
There are no two days the same when managing a large team. Some days can involve meetings, client calls and accounts preparation. Other days can include interviewing candidates for up-and-coming roles, and training new staff members. This keeps my job extremely rewarding and exciting.
Being an accountant is challenging in its own right, with clients having deadlines to meet every month. This is part of the job and something that most of our accountants thrive on!
Our clients come in all forms, from limited companies to sole trader individuals, so no two clients have the same experience. I am lucky in that I get to work first-hand with a wide range of clients outside of my own client base.
What clients tend to struggle with most is when they first set up their business. There is so much to learn and take on board, so all of our accountants offer an initial consultation when clients first join us. It’s an invaluable tool for clients to go through their initial concerns, and know that we can help them right from the start.
My regular clients and I often speak and email, and we have built up a positive working relationship where they know I am always a call or email away for any of their needs.
Now this is a tricky question – I do really enjoy working alongside clients as I have a strong customer service background. However, if I have to pick a favourite part it would be seeing new staff come on board and grow into successful accountants. This is so rewarding to see.
I love my job and enjoy coming to work each day. We have a relaxed atmosphere in the office which allows us to remain calm and work efficiently even at stressful periods of the year. Although TAP has many staff, we all still feel like one big team, and everyone genuinely gets along which is great. The free gym is also my favourite perk!
Of course, everything I learned whilst studying, but along with that my customer service skills, patience, understanding and empathy! Also, being organised and highly efficient helps too.
I have two beautiful dogs who I love to walk at the weekend, anywhere from the beach to the mountains.
My two teenage children, who are now not so little. They are my proudest achievement and make me the person I am today. Without them I would never have embarked on the path of accountancy.
Well, being the manager I’m sure there may be things I don’t wish to know… however I would like to think that it would be fun, hardworking, supportive, and ambitious.
I actually don’t read or watch much TV, so going to pass on this question!
There is not one person I admire, but I admire anyone who goes after their goals and dreams. Life is short and so I love to see people who take every opportunity in life.
Q. What sort of a question is this?
A. I have no idea!
Find out more about the services we offer by hitting the live chat button, or get an instant quote online. Interested in joining the team? Check out our recruitment page!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get accounting tips like this right to your inbox
Read our guide to UK tax rates and thresholds for sole traders, limited companies, partners and partnerships, employers, and other businesses. UK…
Read MoreVinted has grown in popularity as a place to make a bit of cash selling unwanted clothes following a declutter, but it…
Read MoreSubmitting your tax return as soon as the next tax year starts might seems like a strange notion, but it definitely has…
Read MoreThe number of monthly transactions you have entered based on your turnover seem high. A transaction is one bookkeeping entry such as a sale, purchase, payment or receipt. Are you sure this is correct?
Please contact our sales team if you’re unsure
It is unlikely you will need this service, unless you are voluntarily registered for VAT.
Are you sure this is correct?
Call us on 020 3355 4047 if you’re not sure.
You will receive our bookkeeping software Pandle for free, as part of your package.
You can use this to complete your own bookkeeping, or we can provide a quote to complete your bookkeeping for you.
Please select and option below:
Call us on 020 3355 4047 if you’re not sure.