A Day in the Life of an Accounant
PERSONAL TAX ACCOUNTANTS IN MANCHESTER
Here's Mark - One of our Senior Client Accountants
Tell us about the duties and responsibilities of your job.
My role at Parker Whitwood is Senior Client Accountant, this means I am responsible for different roles for clients such as Bookkeeping, Payroll, VAT Return preparation, Year-End preparations and answering general accounting queries.
What is a typical working day like for you?
A typical workday would be looking after allocated clients bookkeeping each morning, moving on to other jobs in the afternoon such as VAT Return preparations or Year-End preparations.
What are some of the biggest challenges faced by your clients?
There are multiple challenges faced by clients regularly, in terms of companies which have lower numbers of employees or one-man bands, time is the biggest issue. It is difficult to complete a full day’s work, and then have to interact with an accountant. Other challenges which affect all clients is the web of laws and rules that govern accountancy and the sectors those clients work in. Rules such as IR35, CIS, Foreign VAT etc. There are many pieces of legislation that needs to be looked through to ensure the accounting is done correctly no matter what size a company is.
What are some of the biggest challenges faced by your clients?
The challenges faced by our clients is what drives us as accountants to do and know more, it could be reading up around new rules introduced such as VAT in the EU. Then applying this rule to a client to ensure this is done correctly. Alternatively breaking down a client’s records to check everything has been allocated correctly in preparation of a Corporation Tax return or Self-Assessment return.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of my job is receiving new records which have issues, it could be bookkeeping gone wrong, or no bookkeeping at all. Taking all information we can receive from the client and actually turning the records into a readable accounting format which is then easy to follow. The job satisfaction comes from knowing anyone could pick up that job and continue it without many if any queries.
What do you like most about working for Parker Whitwood Accountants in Manchester?
I enjoy my role at Parker Whitwood as it throws up challenges I’ve not seen before and allows me to problem solve. Directors are there to help if you ask for it and means that you have a freedom to do your work whilst also being able to have assistance when required.
What skills do you find most useful to do your job?
As you’d expect, number skills can be put to the test as an accountant. Whilst you would expect 1 plus 1 to equal 2, unfortunately this isn’t always the case and you then need to investigate why this hasn’t happened. This is the most rewarding part of the job.
What do you most like to do on days off?
When I’m not at work I like to go walking with my wife and dog, alternatively going out to try different cuisines. Hopefully when we’re back to normal we will be able to continue our European food adventure.
Tell us about your proudest achievement.
My proudest achievement at Parker Whitwood was reviewing a bank reconciliation for a new client that had been incorrect for at least 18 months, finding the difference to the penny and being able to let the client know what had happened previously and being able to prove how it had happened.
How would your colleagues describe you?
My colleagues would describe me on occasion as loud, otherwise hard working. They’re probably sick of hearing about the puppy, as we got her the same week I started at Parker Whitwood. Incidentally, another proud achievement but wouldn’t do it again!
What are you reading/binge watching at the moment?
I have just finished binge watching Euro 2020 (2021) and look forward to the next series coming out which is football season 2021/22. Alternatively I will try to find time to rewatch Lord of the Rings…. Again.
Who do you admire, and why?
I admire those who go into business for themselves, it can be a very daunting but rewarding process. This is also where having an accountant that understands this can help be effective. At Parker Whitwood we want to ensure the client is put first and their particular needs are recognised and actioned.
Learn more about the accounting services that Mark and the rest of the team provide by contacting us, Parker Whitwood, Accountants in Manchester.
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