In the Staff Spotlight this month, we have Sarah!

What is your job title?

Accounts Semi Senior

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

Like the other accountants at TAP, I have my own client base with a mix of sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

My main responsibilities are providing accountancy services such as the preparation of annual accounts, VAT returns, self-assessment tax returns, bookkeeping etc.

I also help clients with any queries they have during the year so they are free to focus on growing their business, knowing we have the accounts side of things taken care of.

What is a typical working day like for you?

After greeting my colleagues, emails are the starting point for most of my days. I check for any urgent queries or any accounts approvals to be submitted, before I have a consultation call at 10am if one is booked in. This is good chance to get to know our clients and understand how we can help them and their business.

Then it’s on to accounts or VAT returns, and any emails received for the rest of the day. At some point Percy (the office dog) will pay me a visit – usually around lunch time.

What particular challenges do you regularly encounter?

I would probably say emails. With such a wide range of clients based all over the world we sometimes come across complex queries, but very rarely is it something that a chat with colleagues or some research can’t solve.

With the experience of the accountants we have at TAP, someone will have come across something similar at some point. It’s a great opportunity to work together and learn from each other to help our clients.

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

Currently, the biggest challenge is the one the whole world is facing – COVID-19. For a lot of our clients, there is a lot of uncertainty, especially with regards to when they will be able to get back to growing their business, and what business will be like going forward.

We are on hand to help with all sorts of queries regarding this, such as what support is available, how to claim furlough for employees, what options there are for future trading and income. If there is anything we can help with, we will try to.

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

Tough one – I am on the phone to my friend and colleague Becky who works in our payroll team at the moment so asked her. She said I am a people person and helpful. I’m always on hand to talk through any queries or stresses clients have with the current situation.

My payroll background has allowed me to help with furlough claims too, to get the support to our clients as soon as possible.

What is your favourite part of the job?

It’s nice knowing we can take the stress and anxiety away from clients. We’re able to explain how things work in a way that is easy to understand, so the process isn’t daunting and they know everything is taken care of.

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

It has to be the people (and Percy). All of my colleagues are great people to work with and learn from.

I also really like working for the company. The new office is great, and we are well looked after with lunches provided and staff nights out. I have only been here since September 2019 but I have learnt so much from everyone already.

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

I am a big Liverpool fan, so going to the games with my dad or my brother is always fun.

Tell us about your proudest achievement.

It would have to be running the Chester half marathon. I ran one previously (and forgot how much it hurt afterwards) so did it again to raise money for Claire House.

With the route, you run out of Chester and then come back in down country lanes. Some of the kids from Claire House came out with banners to cheer everyone on. High-fives all-round on the way back in gave me just the boost I needed when it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.

How would your colleagues describe you?

I think they’d say I’m quite happy/cheerful and hopefully rather helpful.

What are you reading/binge watching at the moment?

Money Heist at the moment, but my little brother and my grandad have finished it, so it is hard to discuss without getting spoilers.

To be honest though, my grandad hasn’t been bad for spoilers recently. Currently I am too busy being his own personal online tech support when he can’t get Netflix or Skype working. We will get there eventually… hopefully.

Who do you admire, and why?

I’m really close to my family and I admire my grandparents massively, just their whole attitude to life is amazing. I could spend all day with them and wouldn’t stop laughing. I can’t wait to see them, only when it is safe to do so of course.

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

Again – tough one. I noticed my friend John said Die Hard is a Christmas film for his answer. I’d just like to say it is definitely not!

Find out more about the online accountancy services that Sarah and the team provide. Just hit the live chat button, or ask for an instant online quote.

About The Author

Elizabeth Hughes

A content writer specialising in business, finance, software, and beyond. I'm a wordsmith with a penchant for puns and making complex subjects accessible.