It is expected that the Accountant will demonstrate a high level of analytical, prioritisation and attention to detail skills to manage their workload effectively at all times. Accounting staff will actively monitor their Iris Practice Management tasks and jobs assigned to them and structure their own work activity to ensure they are meeting all timelines required. A high level of accuracy, proficiency and professionalism are key criteria in providing quality services to the practice and quality customer service to our clients.
Expectations of the Position
To be successful in the role and in addition to meeting the indicative tasks listed below, it is essential that the employee demonstrates that they consistently perform the following indicative behaviours at a high level.
Role Specific Competencies:
Client Customer Service
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients through maintaining a high level of professional integrity.
• Be proactive in seeking help and advice from colleagues, including Directors or Senior Managers to maintain delivery deadlines
• Ensure regular communication with clients to manage expectations for delivery deadlines.
• Understand client requirements, identifying and promoting additional services as appropriate.
• Engage & build rapport with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to manage difficult conversations and resolve conflict effectively.
• Protect the client’s privacy and dignity and always maintain confidentiality.
• Meets GDPR policy.
• Improve fee recovery times through regular billing, in a timely manner.
Technical Skills
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Good understanding of the fundamentals of accountancy principles and basic accountancy practices
• Able to prioritise and manage time effectively
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong Knowledge of Sage Business Cloud, and Sage 50, however further training and support will be provided.
• Knowledge of alternative softwares such as Xero, QuickBooks, Dext & AutoEntry
• Fast and accurate data entry skills.
• Knowledge of Iris Accountancy Suite.
• Problem Solving Skills.
• A commercial awareness and understanding of how tasks & activities impact the business and clients
Attention to Detail
• Ensures high level of accuracy in all tasks in accordance with their protocols and procedures.
• Ensure all documentation is accurate and professionally presented.
• Carefully checks own work as well as the work of others when creating the final product for the client.
• Understands priorities and manages work effectively and flexibly to meet the needs of the directors, managers, colleagues and clients.
• Proactively seeks advice rather than make an error.
• Ensuring tasks are completed in a timely manner, communicating any challenges ahead of deadlines.
Commitment, Attitude, Flexibility & Teamwork
• Lives and promotes their Values and culture and cares about building a credible reputation.
• Shows strong professional commitment to the position, office, and the company.
• Seeks out feedback and adapts as necessary.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, maintaining positive relationships with clients, Directors and colleagues
• Treats all colleagues, clients and others with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Behaves ethically, morally and professionally.
• Motivated, flexible & adaptable when required to work extra hours or be asked to perform extra tasks to meet the needs of the business, including tasks that may fall outside the remit of the role.
• Happy to perform routine tasks e.g. filing, typing or other admin duties.
• Using experience and knowledge of the company’s operations to proactively identify and resolve potential problems prior to them occurring by using initiative and effective problem-solving skills.
• Punctual and reliable, communicating any issues as appropriate.
• Actively uses initiative to find ‘value adding’ tasks to do in quieter periods.
• Seeks new ways of improving systems, processes, and workflows within the office, contributing to business objectives.
• Maintaining complete confidentiality and professional integrity about all company matters relating to clients, colleagues, and the business – in all work and social interactions.