My name is Keerthana Skylabkanna, I am an Accounts Assistant at Metricell and have been with the business for almost two years.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I commence my day by preparing cash flow statements, starting with the verification of incoming and outgoing transactions in the bank and updating the cash flow statement accordingly.
This is followed by reconciling cleared items in the bank and reviewing emails in the finance folders. Later in the day, I focus on pursuing sales debtors and preparing management accounts.
My typical day involves addressing ad hoc requests while striving to maintain a structured workflow. I review transactions and post journals as necessary, occasionally posting invoices and fixed assets. Some days are more demanding than others, particularly during month-end and audit periods, which adhere to a stringent schedule.
What are some of the key responsibilities in your role?
Key Responsibilities include:
- Spanish Bookkeeping & VAT returns.
- Prepare and review monthly bank statements reconciliation and cash flow statements.
- Prepare and submit Quarterly VAT returns
- Manage Debtors control and present monthly debtor reports
- Reconcile Petty cash regularly
- Maintain fixed asset records and ensure accurate depreciation
- Conduct monthly reviews of balance sheet codes
- Prepare and post monthly accruals
- Assist in budget preparation
- Prepare monthly management accounts
- Manage month end and Year end closing process
- Support Audit activities.
What skills or qualities do you think are most important in your job?
In my role, attention to detail is essential to ensure accuracy in all aspects of financial work. Experience with monthly management accounts and financial reporting is also crucial, as these are core components of the job.
A solid understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles supports effective day-to-day financial operations. Strong organisational skills are important for managing multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines. Additionally, being confident in posting journals and managing accruals is key to maintaining accurate and timely financial records.
Is there a part of your role that people might be surprised to learn about?
People might be surprised to learn that my role in the finance department does not operate in isolation. I collaborate with various departments in numerous scenarios. This involves coordinating with different teams to gather financial data and ensure transactions are recorded accurately.
I monitor accounts receivable, pursue overdue payments, and maintain customer relationships. Additionally, I partner with IT and operations to manage fixed assets, which includes tracking asset depreciation, ensuring accurate asset records, and planning for future asset investments. I also report effectively to management, providing the insights they need to make informed decisions.
Can you give an example of a project where you felt your work made a real difference to the business or to the public?
One example where I felt my work made a real difference was when I successfully introduced timely journals to accurately report accrued and deferred income. This significantly improved the accuracy of our financial reporting and supported better-informed decision-making by management.
More broadly, being part of the finance function means I contribute to maintaining accurate financial records, which helps build trust with stakeholders, including the public, by ensuring transparency and accountability.
What do you enjoy most about your role, and what motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
What I enjoy most about my role is the diverse range of accounting tasks, which I find both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Each day presents new challenges that keep the work engaging. I also appreciate the opportunity to work closely with colleagues, which creates a vibrant and supportive working atmosphere.
Continuous learning is a key motivator for me as it it encourages personal growth and keeps me driven to improve and contribute more effectively to the team.
What’s your favourite part about your role and being part of the team at Metricell?
I absolutely thrive on the independence I have in decision-making, and our management team is fantastic at providing support and guidance whenever needed.
My colleagues are amazing, and one thing I've noticed at Metricell is that everyone is genuinely happy at work, creating an incredibly positive and uplifting environment. It's truly a joy to be part of such a vibrant and supportive team where my inputs are valued and my concerns are heard.
