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Meet the people behind Bells Accountants – the people who allow us to stand out from the crowd and offer an exemplary service to every single customer.
JOANNE
Managing Director
I take ultimate responsibility for everything that happens at Bells Accountants, from business development to client care. I go out to meet new and existing clients, organise seminars and education sessions, and run networking and mastermind events. I also offer a VIP programme, where I provide business consultancy services in addition to our usual accountancy services.
I left school at 18 and went straight into an accountancy practice as an office junior. I moved up the ranks, moved to a different firm five years later and then eventually went out on my own. I am now a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. The best thing about being in this industry is meeting other business owners, learning about their journey, and becoming a part of their business success.
Bells Accountants takes up the majority of my time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There are so many crossovers between business and personal life and many of the people I know through networking and various industry events have become firm friends as well. I’m very staff focused so I am always available for my team, whether they want to talk about business or chat over a cup of tea.
HELEN
Practice and Client Manager
As practice manager I generally oversee the Chislehurst branch, including the members of staff who work here. I also take responsibility for preparing and reviewing company accounts and tax returns and preparing personal tax returns. I enjoy the variety of working with clients as well as with the rest of the team. I’d say there’s no such thing as a typical day in this industry, you have to be willing to go with the flow.
I completed an Accountancy degree in 1992, and I am Association of Chartered Accountants qualified as well. I worked for several accountancy firms after completing my degree, including a Top 10 practice in London. I joined Bells in 2014 and I never intend to leave!
Outside of work you might find me at the theatre or attending a Pilates class. I also love pottery – look around next time you’re in the office, you might just spot one or two of my artworks.
LOUISE
Client Manager
My main duties at Bells include managing a portfolio of clients, preparing company accounts, corporation tax returns, CIS returns, personal tax returns and liaising with HMRC. My role is very varied, but one thing always stays the same – a good cup of coffee to start the morning!
I am qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Association of Accounting Technicians. I started working at Bells after an opportunity for a new accountant opened up within the company. I had actually met Joanne Bell before I even became qualified and was working as a junior accounts clerk! It’s a great role for me, and I love helping clients to grow a successful business.
Outside of work I enjoy going to the theatre and cinema or having a few drinks with friends.
REDCINE
Client Manager
I am responsible for managing a portfolio of clients, preparing company accounts, corporation tax, personal tax, and CIS returns. It’s essential that our clients receive the service they require and, as a result, I need to be flexible in my role. No two clients are the same, and neither is the service they receive.
I have a degree in Accounting & Finance from the University of Greenwich, am fully qualified with the Association of Accounting Technicians, and am a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants finalist. I love working as part of a close-knit team where everyone is motivated to do the right thing for our clients and their businesses. I am methodical, organised, and always willing to help out. If something needs doing and I have the right skills to help, I will.
Outside of work, I am really passionate about childcare. I actually started a mother and toddler group earlier in my career that dealt with more than 1000 families over five years. I also started a preschool!
TOBY
Client Manager & Bookkeeping Manager
My role involves managing bookkeeping and VAT returns as well as management accounts and financial analysis, and ensuring the bookkeeping department is running smoothly and happily.
I enjoy working with a variety of clients and industries and building a great working relationship with them. I pride myself on my attention to detail, office banter, being proactive and always looking for ways to improve.
I live in Eltham and joined Bells just over a year ago and when I’m not at work I enjoy eating at nice restaurants, playing sports and going on holiday!
I’m fully qualified with the Association of Accounting Technicians and currently studying towards being qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. I’m also a Xero Certified Advisor and a member of the Institute Of Certified Bookkeepers. I also won the Christmas jumper competition!
SAMANTHA
Bookkeeper, Chislehurst Practice
It is my responsibility to make sure clients’ bookkeeping is kept up to date and accurate, working with close attention to detail. My days generally run along the lines of coffee, input, input, coffee, delete, input, edit, input… coffee forms an important part of the daily routine at Bells!
I came into accounts straight from college, and started working in central London within the insurance industry. I then came to work for Bells in 2014. I love working with clients from many different trades, it always keeps things interesting. I have a great team around me as well, despite the fact that they borrow all my blue biros. I’ve taken to putting red caps on them, as nobody ever wants a red pen – you’re welcome to borrow that tip if you like!
When I’m not in the office, you’ll probably find me spending time with my dogs. I’m a dog fanatic! If I’m not out training with my hounds, I will probably have my head in a book about canine behaviour.
ANNIE
Client Manager, Kenley practice
As Client Manager, my main duties include preparing accounts and tax returns for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. Customer care is very important to me and I make sure people receive a response within 24 hours. When a client tells me that they feel better after talking to me, this is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
I have a National Certificate in Business Studies and am qualified with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. I have worked in accountancy for 32 years, gaining valuable experience working for various companies. I enjoy working here in particular because of my lovely colleagues. We are all busy people, but we always make time for a catch up. We’re in good company as accountants – did you know that Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, from Led Zeppelin, and comedian Eddie Izzard were all accountants before their showbiz careers took off? Personally, I’ve put my showbiz career on hold and I’m going to stick to accountancy…
Out of the office I love reading, cooking and music. I regularly go to festivals and concerts. I spend plenty of time walking my dog and also enjoy a Zumba class when I have the energy! I also visit art galleries and museums in London and take trips to National Trust gardens in the countryside.
ALI
Bookkeeper, Kenley Practice
I work on bookkeeping and VAT tasks. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I always work with accuracy, speed, and attention to detail. As a self-taught bookkeeper, I worked for some big businesses and gained excellent experience before coming to Bells, including Philips Electronics, Nestle, and Aon. I like to make sure I provide a good service and keep clients happy at all times.
I love working at Bells, there’s a great atmosphere in the office. I would describe a typical day for me as busy, eventful, funny and productive. I can honestly say that I laugh every single day – with my colleagues and not at them, I promise!
Outside of work I enjoy socialising and spending time with my family, perhaps planning our next family holiday together.
IAN
Practice Manager, Kenley practice
My role involves ensuring clients receive the best service possible, and giving staff the support they need to deliver this excellent service. During a day in the world of Bells I usually manage to enjoy my first cup of tea in peace, then it all starts to get busier as the phone starts to ring…
I am registered with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, but I’d say my most important qualification is my 30 years of experience. I began accounting life as a trainee accountant, back in the days when computers were a rarity, and worked there for seven years. I have worked in a range of positions since, dealing with corporate clients as well as individuals. I enjoy working at Bells because I work with good people, both my colleagues and my clients. We’ve got a great team here in the Kenley branch.
When I’m not sitting at my desk I like to keep active. When injury cut short my rugby-playing days I trained as a SCUBA-diving instructor, and after diving for many years I now enjoy walking as a pastime. See the trend of slowing with age?!
BEN
Personal Assistant/Office Manager
My role is very varied and mainly entails taking the day-to-day stress away from senior management – I’m pretty confident I can read their minds by now! I am highly organised, manage my time well and have excellent attention to detail.
A typical day for me is busy, busy, busy…but I enjoy liaising with clients on a daily basis and building up a relationship with them. I love the team I work with and we have some excellent get togethers – the Friday lunchtime office takeaway is always a good social occasion and a chance to spend time with my colleagues.
Outside of work I enjoy socialising, cooking, gardening, travelling and the occasional night out to the theatre.
MONIKA
Client Manager
My main duties are to prepare company accounts, corporation tax returns and personal tax returns. I’m a real people person and I’m easy to approach – I enjoy working with clients and speaking in their language instead of using all the accountancy jargon.
I really enjoy working here and building up client relationships. I always wanted to be an accountant, as I liked working with numbers, and I am now a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). Us accountants are interesting people – did you know Mick Jagger worked in accounting before his showbiz career took off?!
Outside of work I enjoy socialising and seeing the world.
NELA
Bookkeeping Manager
Working at Bells, I’m responsible for preparing VAT returns and using software to offer bookkeeping services to our clients. A typical day is numbers, numbers, numbers broken up by coffee and emails! I’m accurate, patient and dedicated to the job meaning I can make sure my clients are happy.
I graduated from university in 2004 after studying Economics and have been working in accountancy ever since, with an ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (RQF level 4). I love working with numbers as they keep my brain sharp – sudoku doesn’t cut it anymore! Did you know, that ‘bookkeeping’ is the only term in the English language with three sets of double letters arranged together? You could fry your brain trying to think of any others, I’ve tried.
The day to day life at Bells is always different and my interaction with customers keeps me on my toes. When I’m not crunching the numbers with colleagues, I love socialising with my friends in Bromley or spending quality time with family.
JOSH
BOOKKEEPER
I’m responsible for ensuring that my clients’ bookkeeping is accurate and up to date, and for preparing management accounts that they can use to track the progress of their business. My role is hugely varied, and no two days are ever the same due to the range of different client requirements that I work towards.
I joined the industry as soon as I left school, starting as an accounts assistant at a solicitors. Once I realised how much I enjoyed the balance between interacting with clients and working independently, I decided to develop my skills by working towards my AAT qualification. I joined Bells in 2021 and have successfully settled into our team ever since.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and meeting up with friends.
STEVE
MARKETING AND ACCOUNTS
I work on marketing and accounts – it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about their businesses, their passions, and what inspired them to set up their various companies.
I am qualified with the Association of Accounting Technicians after stumbling into a career in accountancy. I have worked in this field for most of my life now, and I really enjoy the industry. It’s never easy blowing your own trumpet, so I asked my colleague Helen what skills I have that make me particularly good at my job. She replied with “all manner of things”. Thanks Helen. Very specific.
Outside of work my main hobby is travel. I love seeing new places all over the world, but my favourite place is the USA.
SACHA
HEAD ADMINISTRATOR
It is my job to ensure we provide administrative support to all accountants, assisting with accounts packages and letters, maintaining accounts and VAT due lists, dealing with HMRC and looking after the client database. It’s a busy role, and I’ve learnt how to keep calm under pressure – a very valuable skill to have in this line of work!
I came into this industry completely by accident after looking for a local administration role – the role I came across just happened to be in accountancy.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
ANNA
Executive Assistant to Joanne Bell
In my role as Executive Assistant to the lovely Joanne Bell, it is my responsibility to make sure all elements of our business run smoothly. A typical day could see me setting up meetings, making customer service calls, publishing informative bulletins for clients, attending networking events, assessing business opportunities or potential collaborations, supporting the staff with any issues, arranging an office light to be fitted, supplying content for our social media, organising staff events, and keeping the plants alive! These tasks are greatly assisted by coffee in the day and a gin and tonic in the evening… and my colleague’s friendly banter of course!
Before I joined Bells my career included being a PA at Barclays Insurance, when I had children I left the corporate world to run my own businesses for 12 years, during which time I met Joanne, the children grew up….and here I am. I have a great team around me who all strive to provide the best customer service possible. Outside of work I enjoy travel, dining out, and cooking for friends and family.
LORAINE
Payroll Manager
I look after and manage the payroll department at Bells Accountants, and manage payroll personnel. Each day brings with it lots of emails to answer and plenty of planning to ensure client deadlines are met. I enjoy problem solving and helping people resolve payroll issues as well as helping clients find solutions for their businesses.
I am a Supervisory Member of the Payroll Alliance SMPA and have over 20 years of corporate payroll experience. I came into this industry completely by accident, and developed a love affair with the work. I have worked in a range of roles for many big companies, and I’m very loyal to my clients.
When I’m not in the office you will usually find me spending time with my family.
EMMA
Administration Manager
When I’m not in the office I often enjoy days out with my husband, Prosecco with my friends and seeing my family. I manage all the admin tasks in the office, assisting our accountants and wider team ensuring the smooth running of our office. I also answer client queries, you may have had an email or two from me!
I worked in financial services for 19 years before joining Bells in April 2019. I love working with such a friendly team, we love going out for lunches and our office parties are always fun!
DAWN
Payroll Administrator
I enjoy socialising with my friends, going to the cinema, enjoying all types of films, especially Marvel and Disney and spending quality time with my family.
I joined Bells at the start of 2020 in the Payroll department after working for 18 years in another company dealing with large PAYE companies, and I’m now enjoying learning client payrolls too! Although I’m new to the team, Chislehurst is a fun place to work and my new team are lovely.
ALISON
Administrator
I left college with The London Chamber of Commerce Private Secretary’s qualification. My first job was in the accounts department of a local Dairy in Shropshire. Five years later I moved to London and have never looked back. In the past 30 years I have worked in varying roles, mainly in banking & finance, raised a family and spent 3 years travelling & working abroad.
I joined Bells in January 2021. I am the first point of contact in the Kenley office and my main aim is to ensure our clients get the best service possible.
I enjoy organising and bookkeeping and am fortunate enough to do a bit of both in my current role. The Kenley Team are brilliant, they work hard and there is always plenty of friendly banter in the office.
Outside of work I love gardening (although green fingers I do not have), DIY projects and as my husband is a keen climber, I have been known to participate in the indoor version of this sport.