Devon Simpson – Business Services Assistant (Payroll & VAT Returns)
Discussing her previous experience and how this has helped her grow and develop into her role at SBP, here's what Devon had to say:
Can you introduce yourself and give details on your career history leading to your current role?
I joined SBP on 18th August 2010 as an administrative assistant covering a colleague's maternity leave. Due to a colleague taking a job in Aberdeen, a position was available for me to join the team permanently. I worked in the admin team for 8 years and saw a lot of change happen in that time, a lot of the work became digital and took less time and gradually I found myself looking for a challenge.
I took on a handful of standard payrolls and a few straightforward VAT clients to get a feel for something different. I found myself enjoying working on something new and realised I was ready to take a big jump away from admin.
In December 2018 there was a restructure in the payroll and VAT department meaning there was an opportunity to move into a full-time VAT and payroll role, I expressed an interest and by January 2019 I was allocated my very own client base, and I haven't looked back.
What made you choose Accountancy as a career?
I always knew throughout Academy that I wanted to do something in administration, it was something I really enjoyed doing. I had studied accounts as well but did not enjoy it nearly as much so when I got the administrative assistant role, I expressed no interest in progressing into the accounting side of things. Obviously, that then changed gradually over time.
Can you give some insight into your working day and key responsibilities at SBP?
My workload is predominantly bookkeeping and processing VAT Returns, but I also have my payroll clients that I process on a weekly or monthly basis. I work on a quarterly rotation of client jobs, so my days vary but every 3 months my workload technically resets.
Each month I am responsible for making sure payrolls are completed so our clients know how much to pay their staff, and I also make sure our clients' VAT Returns are submitted on time to avoid any penalties.
What would you say is your strongest skill and how does it contribute to your role??
My strongest skill would probably be communication, I worked at the reception desk for a long time so I quickly became used to speaking to multiple clients every day and through my payroll and bookkeeping work I am in contact with a lot of clients on a regular basis so I know them well.
What do you enjoy most about working at SBP?
I would say the most valuable element of working at SBP is the supportive environment and the fantastic team that I work with. We all get on really well and it makes all the difference when you enjoy working with your colleagues. I also enjoy the client relationships that I have developed over the years, I find it very rewarding to provide support for my clients and to watch their businesses grow.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Going all the way back to the start, the first time I had to answer the phone to a client I panicked and didn't know what to say or do. I was told if they asked me a question I wasn't sure about, to politely pop them on hold, take a breath and work through the problem. You might not be able to prepare for every scenario thrown your way but if you approach it with a level head and calm demeanour you can work through anything.
What advice would you give to young people entering the industry?
It can be very daunting starting a career in a professional environment like accountancy, I started out when I was 19 so I am aware that it can be quite intimidating. We have all started out at the beginning one way or another and worked our way up, whether that is through an apprenticeship, joining straight from college/university or starting out in one role before integrating into another. Take that leap of courage and start your journey, whatever that may look like.