Business Support Administrator in Stratford-upon-Avon

Affinia is a UK Top 35 Accounting firm, where we support our clients with everything from day-to-day Accounting, Audit and Tax planning to strategic business advice, compliance and specialist services such as Cloud Accounting, Payroll and Mergers & Acquisitions across a wide range of sectors. We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

We focus on building authentic connections, collaboration and growth, both with our clients and colleagues with over 300 years’ experience, bringing together financial experts from across London, East Anglia & Southeast England. We have more than 500 accountancy professionals across our 15+ offices and advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning.

We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and private investment. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice.

Purpose Of The Role

As a Business Support Administrator, you will be part of a growing, successful team delivering high-quality services to our clients and stakeholders. You will support the work of the wider teams and be an ambassador to clients and individuals as they visit our offices. The Business Support team undertake client-facing and chargeable administration tasks.

The role requires good communication and presentation skills, as it involves substantial contact with clients and internal staff, as well as many other individuals and organisations. We are extensively computerised, and experience of Microsoft applications is essential. Other systems are more specialised relating to accountancy services and administration, which you will be fully trained on.

We provide all our staff with access to Croner-i, Mercia, Tolley’s and LinkedIn Learning as required/relevant. We also provide ongoing training to develop your ‘soft’ skills, e.g. making a positive first impression, mastering effective time management techniques, and enhancing your communication skills.

Accountabilities

This role covers a wide range of tasks that go into supporting the smooth operation of the business on a day-to-day basis, focusing on the administration of the clients we serve. This means you’ll be responsible for a variety of processes and documents, such as the admin associated with the onboarding of new clients, the creation of some official documents, and the submission of others.

• Electrical and manual client onboarding, letters of engagement, client portal administration, new company incorporations, allocating client codes, and sending documents and client packs for electronic signature.
• You will need a full understanding of the ‘lost client’ process and be able to create professional clearance packs on NLA clients.
• Prepare basic company secretarial work, complete CS01s, submit accounts, and support when needed in the submission tax returns; and prepare dormant company accounts.
• Support with the booking in and out of books and records if required, and HMRC agent authorisations.
• Act as an agent on the Admin Support ticketing system, responding to queries in line with defined SLA targets across all assigned queues.
• Assist with undertaking of data cleanse work, supporting the Front of House (FoH) team with the set-up of client monthly reminders, organise the set-up of Direct Debits with the Finance team whenever necessary, monitor any monthly deadlines, manage deadline extensions, and send out bulk mail merges.

Skills/Qualifications

The role demands excellent organisational skills and a strong understanding of service delivery in a financial services organisation to drive efficiency and enhance client service delivery. You will have the skills and ability to prioritise your own workload whilst maintaining high attention to detail. You will be a natural relationship builder with exceptional communication skills. Flexibility and ambiguity as well as possessing the ability to take own initiative and demonstrate good judgement are key skills required within this position.

• Excellent telephone manner.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to communicate with all levels of seniority.
• Experience with Microsoft applications - especially MS Excel.
• Ability and willingness to acquire new skills to the requirements of the position through “on the job” training.
• Self-motivated, anticipating issues before they arise and/or resolving issues using knowledge and experience.
• Experience of working in an accountancy practice is desirable, but not essential.
• Minimum five GSCEs at grade 4/5 (C) and/or above including Maths and English.

Core Benefits

At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:

• Opportunity to purchase 3 extra days holiday per year.
• Professional membership support.
• Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies.
• Dress for your Diary Policy.

Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.

Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion, or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.