Role: Accountant
Company: McGuire and Farry Limited
Track Record:
Anna-Molly studied Accountancy at Stirling University in Scotland. A recently qualified Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA), she currently works at McGuire and Farry, a leading N.I. firm of Chartered Certified Accountants based in Carryduff alongside her Dad who is one of three partners.
Fast tracked within the corporate banking sector in Glasgow, Anna Molly’s father Brian never suspected his daughter harboured any thoughts of working closely with SMEs on this side of the Irish Sea, until he took a call from his 25 year old daughter in July 2008.
Anna-Molly had the vision and foresight to realise the many opportunities that a globally recognised ACCA qualification could provide and the opportunity came along to gain considerable hands on experience working with a wide variety of SMEs in her father’s accountancy practice.
DAY IN THE LIFE
7.30am
I normally awaken around the same time, keen to start early and make the most of the day ahead. I generally tend to catch up on the business news and the markets whilst eating breakfast and getting ready for work. After a quick chat with my fiancé about our plans for later in the evening, I head off to McGuire and Farry.
8:30am
After travelling a short distance to work, I get straight down to business, responding to emails, scheduling calls and planning meetings with clients. As a qualified member I receive updates from ACCA which helps me keep on top of any changes in tax or legislation in addition to general news about the sector and industry.
From then on every day is different and I juggle varied client work with everyday internal procedures and protocols, prioritising my workload as I go along.
9.00am
An internal meeting with all 15 staff members provides an opportune time to catch up with the partners and managers about day to day client work, month end activity and upcoming audits. On this particular day we discuss online accounting solutions to improve business efficiency and reduce costs.
I am currently involved in appraising an investment in cloud computing and document management software which will support our staff to work remotely and provide real-time advice for our clients which will undoubtedly add greater value.
I am also examining ways to integrate social media marketing strategies into our everyday business practices to achieve further growth and expand our client base.
No two days are the same and now fully qualified, I am fortunate to be working in such a dynamic environment across a wide-ranging client base and sectors which definitely keeps me on my toes.
As we are at the end of the financial year it is undoubtedly all hands on deck, however it is not all about preparing financial statements, tax returns and checking balance sheets. My current role is very proactive ranging from providing strategic business counsel to project management.
Working as part of a close team, I am also involved in helping the business to embrace new digital technologies and identify areas for growth and expansion.
10.00am
Working across diverse sectors I have gained valuable insight into the operations of different industries such as hospitality, agriculture and construction. A quarterly meeting with our horticultural client at McGuire and Farry offices starts with a discussion about how things have progressed and any changes to business operations.
I work alongside my father on this particular account as he has built up a long established relationship with the client which is an important aspect in our role as accountants, as trust in our profession is paramount with our access to and development of financial statements and operations.
We provide our client with strategic business advice and provide solutions to reduce risks, increase performance and make business adjustments to help the business grow.
12noon
Another client meeting at our offices with a local publican follows quickly behind. I work closely with this client on a daily basis and on this occasion we review daily accounts, future plans and complete tax returns.
The client is looking to seek new contracts therefore I draw up a projected budget proposal to ascertain feasibility of attracting new business and potentially hiring new staff.
1.00pm
Normally I just have a quick lunch as we are so busy with the year end, however when we do have time all the team will sit round the table and catch up for half an hour and the craic and banter is always good.
1.30pm
For the next hour I log onto the computer to watch a live webinar about the recently announced changes to the capital allowance regime; might seem tedious to some but changes like this could make a significant difference to our clients operations.
As an ACCA member I am also required to continually develop my skills with ongoing training and fulfilling the annual Continuing Professional Development requirement. I must say, I really enjoy this aspect of work and believe it is important for us all to engage in CPD, learning about the issues affecting our professions and put the practical element of learning back into the workplace.
2.30pm
After the training course I have an internal meeting about the new HMRC Business Record Checks and identify relevant information to highlight to our clients. I compile a viral update including key information facing the industry and financial professionals as a whole and issue this across our client distribution list.
4.00pm
Working alongside one of the partners and managers I help prepare vital information for an audit check at a nearby quarry before heading across to the site to help carry out the review which involves inspecting machinery and an assessment of stock.
5.15pm
I always finish the day completing my timesheet; as a business we allocate hours spent on any given client. Depending on the day I usually leave the office around 5.20pm.
6.15pm
I love nothing more than a nice relaxing walk around Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield after a busy day at the office. On occasion, I do tend to participate in Thai and Tone or Zumba classes, a great way to revitalize and boost energy levels. At present I am rather busy in the evenings with my Wedding plans although a year from now I know only too well the importance of sorting out your finances in advance – to which my fiancé has happily left this all in my capable hands.