Joan Meskell

• Complete books and records for a diverse portfolio of clients, including sole traders and limited companies, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and statutory requirements.
• Prepare financial statements for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, from trial balance through to final accounts.
• Support accountancy and audit practices during periods of work overload, providing contract and ad-hoc assistance.
• Prepare audited financial statements, including working papers, audit schedules, and supporting documentation in line with auditing and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with clients and practice partners to resolve accounting queries, agree treatments, and meet reporting deadlines.
• Review and reconcile bank accounts, control accounts, payroll, VAT, RCT and debtor/creditor balances.
• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, and company law requirements, supporting year-end and audit processes.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise professional judgement across all engagements.

Systems and Computer Packages

• Use a wide range of accounting and audit software as outlined above
• Prepare professional reports and correspondence using Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Staff Supervision and Practice Support

• Monitor and review the work of junior staff and trainees, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to firm procedures.
• Provide ongoing guidance and technical support to staff to meet deadlines and improve work quality.
• Assist with workflow management, prioritising assignments and coordinating deliverables during peak reporting periods.

• Prepared statutory and audited financial statements for clients across multiple industries, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies.
• Produced management accounts, budgets, cash flow forecasts, and financial analysis.
• Completed and reviewed income tax, corporation tax, payroll, VAT, RCT, VIES, and Intrastat returns, ensuring Revenue compliance.
• Managed CRO filings, company secretarial matters, and AML compliance.
• Trained, mentored, and supervised junior staff, reviewing work and managing workflow during peak periods.
• Liaised with clients, auditors, and Revenue to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Used Sage, Relate, Big Red Book, QuickBooks, ROS, Thesaurus, Word and Microsoft Excel.

Qualified Financial Advisor

• Provided regulated advice on life assurance, pensions, and investment products, ensuring suitability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Controlled and monitored the financial services side of the business, ensuring adherence to compliance, governance, and record-keeping standards.
• Maintained client files, disclosures, and ongoing reviews in line with regulatory and AML requirements.
• Acted as a key point of contact for compliance matters and regulatory queries.

• Managed the day-to-day operations of the practice, overseeing workflows, client delivery, and administrative functions.
• Designed and implemented practice systems and procedures to improve efficiency, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Controlled and monitored financial performance, including budgeting, billing, cash flow, and profitability.
• Implemented and maintained compliance frameworks, including AML, data protection, and regulatory requirements.
• Supervised, trained, and mentored professional and administrative staff, allocating work and monitoring performance.
• Introduced controls for client onboarding, file management, and quality reviews, improving turnaround times and audit readiness.
• Acted as the main point of contact for compliance, operational, and regulatory matters.
• Liaised with partners, clients, and external advisors to support business growth and service delivery.
• Utilised practice management, accounting, and reporting systems including Sage, Big Red Book, ROS, Work and Microsoft Excel.

• Joined as an Audit Junior and progressed to Audit Senior, taking responsibility for planning and completing audit assignments under partner supervision.
• Prepared accounts and financial statements for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies.
• Prepared and reviewed audit files, working papers, and audit schedules in line with professional standards.
• Assisted in the preparation of Income Tax (IT) and Corporation Tax (CT) returns.
• Completed VAT returns, payroll processing, and related compliance work.
• Trained clients on bookkeeping procedures and use of the Big Red Book accounting package.
• Monitored and reviewed the work of junior staff, providing guidance and ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Liaised with clients to obtain records and resolve accounting and audit queries.