WHO I HELP

Solicitors. Small limited companies. Companies limited by guarantee. Sole traders. Partnerships.

HOW I HELP

Accounts preparation. Bookkeeping. Audits.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Business services. Construction & Property. Food & Drink. Energy. Family Business. Not-for-profit.

“CLIENTS ARE OUR PASSION.”

Esther Henry is a senior manager within the accounts department in AAB (an AAB Group Company), based at our Newry office in Northern Ireland. Having joined AAB straight out of school, Esther took professional exams and has progressed throughout the firm over the years. Esther prepares accounts for clients of a wide range of size, and specialises in solicitors’ accounts and the reporting requirements for accountants to the Law Society of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of Ireland.

TRUST, HONESTY AND OPENNESS

“For me, an ideal client relationship is one that is based on trust, honesty, and openness, from both the client and the accountant. A client should feel free to contact their accountant about any relevant matter with the expectation that their query will be important to their accountant – there is no question too small and certainly no stupid question!
I pride myself on providing high-quality work on a timely basis, and helping our clients by using my initiative, being practical and positive in resolving issues and providing solutions in a competent manner. I regularly receive comments of appreciation from clients for work well done, and consider myself to be hardworking and conscientious.”

FINDING A SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM

“We generally spend a lot of time at work, working alongside both colleagues and clients, so it’s important that we enjoy what we do. One of the elements I enjoy most is when a client is satisfied with the work carried out, especially if finding a solution to a problem was possible.
One of the challenges we face is timeliness. Northern Ireland solicitors’ accounting reports are due for filing within four months of the year’s end, so it’s crucial for me to be organised and to plan my time well, especially as I work part-time.

Each colleague has their own area of expertise and can be relied on to provide valuable input in that area, so if a client has a question about something that isn’t part of my remit, I always know someone that will be able to help me find an answer or a solution. The AAB Group employs over 1,000 staff which means that we have a sizeable and varied team of experts to call upon if we need to.”

Each of our clients have different needs

“Communicating virtually certainly has its benefits. It’s convenient and immediate, however, sometimes I find it more beneficial to meet my clients in person to better understand the issue. Each of our clients has different needs, so it’s important that we consider how they would prefer to communicate too – we must remember that not everyone is a fan of technology, or is totally comfortable or confident in using it.”

Growing as a group

“Being part of the wider AAB group is exciting as there are so many opportunities for career development. AAB is growing as a group, and with that growth, the range of services is also expanding. Having colleagues across the wider group within the UK, Ireland, and in the US provides a really varied pool of knowledge for us all to draw on.”

Clients are our passion

“’Clients are our passion’ is the AAB value that resonates most with me. Clients are why we do what we do, and I strive to do my best for each one. We are on a mission to prove that the perception that accountants are boring is wrong!”