A Day in the Life of Certified Public Accountant
Certified Public Accountant Shahzad Shah from iTax Accountants , talked us through his daily work routine. A day in the life of an Accountant in Bradford UK from first thing in the morning, right through until leaving the office.
- As an Accountant, what’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?
Aside from a coffee or tea fix, ( by the way I love Black Coffee ) the first thing I do is check emails. It’s important that clients’ queries are answered quickly and on time. The life of an accountant isn’t always glamorous!
Clients also expect an efficient service in this on-demand economy, so leaving unanswered emails for 2 or 3 days is not an option in the life of an Accountant.
- What would you consider your most important task of the day to be?
Prioritising the work I am going to do during the day. In the accounting industry, there are lots of deadlines to work to, often multiple deadlines for the same client.
At times it can be a juggling act between prioritising work by the deadline and by the order the work was received from the client — this is a key part of what an Accountant does.
- How do you keep up to date with finance industry news or changes to tax legislation?
Personally, I use HMRC website and Sources . Read all kinds of industry blogs along with technology blogs which keep me up to date with accounting, tax and technology. I spend about an hour before work reading every day to stay right up to date. Staying up to date with industry news and legislation is really essential.
- Give us a brief rundown of your daily responsibilities as an Accountant.
During the day I have to carry out a range of accounting tasks such as VAT returns, Accounts, Tax returns, Client queries over email and telephone and the occasional one to one meeting. so my day is fairly varied!
- What’s the last thing you do before you leave the office?
Before I leave the office I ensure that I’ve finished all the work that was meant to be completed during the day and I complete a final check of emails and other notifications relating to client’s questions.
- What kind of clients do you work with on a regular basis? (Sole trader/ limited companies, different kinds of industries etc.)
Our accountancy firm is in the business since 2017 so I work with mainly smaller and medium clients but a huge diversity. Some of the common types of clients are contractors, e-commerce and professionals.
These clients have a variety of business structures from sole traders, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited companies, CICs, charities and limited partnerships.
- What’s the best thing about working in an accounting environment and what do you enjoy most about the role?
The best thing about an accounting environment is the logical approach to the work, i.e. taking something that is disorderly in some way and straightening it out.
It’s also really rewarding to be able to advise small and medium business owners to help them succeed.
- What would your one piece of advice be to someone studying accounting at the moment?
Try to decide whether you want to be an Accountant in practice or industry as they are both very different.
If you know what side you would like to pursue then it makes it much easier when deciding what to study, what types of firms to apply to for training and what information to consume.
- What’s the last thing you at end of the day?
Exercise. This is an important part of my routine. Getting the blood pumping around my body. Keeping fit is essential to relieve stress and keep me constantly on the ball and focused whilst at work.
It is non-stop busy but I would not have it any other way!
Last words:
I am here to help with all your business accounting and bookkeeping requirements. Since 2017 I am delivering professional and affordable accounting and financial services to small and medium sized businesses. you can get in touch directly with me at 07460137844.
