Anna Fursland started at Bracey’s Accountants on a six-week work experience placement after leaving school, and eight years later she is still proudly part of the Bracey Bunch. Let’s find out more about the Stevenage-based client manager…

Why Accountancy?

I was a school leaver and needed to start a career. I have always enjoyed working with numbers and so it seemed a good fit for me. I then learned it’s not all about numbers and is much more interesting than people think.

Before Bracey’s, I worked in a Christmas shop part-time while I was still at school, but other than that Bracey’s/accountancy is my first full-time job.

What made you approach Bracey’s Accountants?

Originally, I was taken on for a six-week work experience placement from leaving school: the practice was still in its first year when I started. The staff were all really friendly and welcoming and it seemed like a nice environment to work in. I was then offered a training contract and have been here ever since!

What does a typical day as a Client Manager involve?

My time is spent communicating with clients with their queries or meeting them to discuss their accounts. I also spend time training the junior members of staff and meeting with prospective clients.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

Probably the relationships I have built with long-standing clients and helping all our clients with anything they may need from their accountant to help their business grow and develop. It’s nice to know clients can rely on me to ensure they remain compliant and they are confident they are getting good advice too.

Why is Bracey’s different from the rest?

It has to be the people and the way the practice is run. All my colleagues are friendly, helpful and have the same goal – to provide outstanding service to clients. The procedures we have in place are there to ensure clients get good advice at the right time.  We aren’t your typical accountants, we are fun!

You clients would describe you as… 

I’d like to think they would say friendly; approachable; efficient; helpful; and knowledgeable.

Your top predictions for accountancy in 2020?

Cloud software has had and will continue to have a big impact – clients no longer just want the historical information once the year-end has passed, they are looking for guidance throughout the year as to how their business is performing and advice on how to improve their results plus advice on tax-saving opportunities. This information is now readily available at a fraction of the cost with the cloud software subscriptions being so much more affordable now.

Companies that have multiple income streams can also track the most/least profitable areas of their business and really drill down into the figures to make changes to improve performance.

This is something I am really positive about; I enjoy working closely with a business so I can truly understand their industry and their daily transactions. This helps us give better advice and recommendations on ways to improve the company performance.

If not Bracey’s, what would you be doing?

I have no idea! I can’t imagine doing anything else if I am honest. I am really lucky, I love my job.

Most importantly, what’s your go-to party trick?

Since having my daughter, my party trick is staying up past 9pm!

If you’d like Anna to help with your accountancy needs, give her a call on 01438 727141.