Amy Merchant
Summary
ACA-qualified accountant with seven years’ experience in an accounting practice, including three years as a client manager supporting a diverse portfolio of SMEs. Fully qualified as an ACA Chartered Accountant in September 2024 and AAT-qualified since March 2022. Skilled in financial reporting, management accounts, auditing, and leading client relationships, with a goal to improve processes and delivering accurate, timely financial insight. Known for a proactive approach, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise deadlines in an organised manor. Friendly but quiet personality with a determination to achieve goals through hard work and perseverance.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Trainee, Client Manager, Line Manager
Chartered Accountancy Practice
2019.09 - Current
- Progressed from trainee to client manager and line manager within a chartered accountancy practice.
- Four years as a trainee working across a wide range of sectors, developing strong technical skills in accounts preparation, VAT, management reporting, audit, and tax compliance.
- Three years as a client manager overseeing a varied SME portfolio, reviewing junior staff work, leading service delivery, and acting as the main point of contact for business owners.
- One year as a line manager responsible for supervising team performance and supporting staff development.
- Key contributor to the internal audit committee, supporting internal control reviews and process improvements that strengthened operational and compliance standards.
Week work experience
Pen Underwriting Insurance Company
2019.01
- Gained exposure to professional office environments, including use of Word and Excel, observation of accountancy, actuarial and underwriting teams, and attendance at client meetings.
Education
ACA level 7 -
Reed Business School
2022.03 - 2024.09
ACA level 4 -
First Intuition
2020.11 - 2022.03
AAT level 3 -
First Intuition
2019.09 - 2020.11
A level results -
Lord Williams School
2017.09 - 2019.06
GCSE results -
Lord Williams School
2012.09 - 2017.06
Skills
- Financial reporting and compliance — Experience preparing statutory accounts, management accounts, VAT returns, audit work, and tax compliance across varied sectors
- Analytical and problem-solving — Able to interpret financial data, identify risks, and provide clear, actionable insights
- Client relationship management — Managed a diverse SME portfolio, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring high-quality service delivery
- Leadership and people development — One year as a line manager, supporting junior staff through coaching, workflow planning, and performance oversight
- Teamwork — Strong collaborator who supports colleagues, contributes to shared goals, and helps maintain a positive team culture
- Internal controls and governance — Key member of the internal audit committee, contributing to control reviews and process improvements
- Communication and stakeholder engagement — Confident in explaining financial information to non-finance stakeholders and building strong working relationships
- Time management and organisation — Skilled at prioritising multiple deadlines in a fast-paced practice environment
- Technical proficiency — Competent with accounting software, cloud-based systems, and practice management tools, with the ability to learn new systems quickly
References
- Jemima, King, jemima@richardsons-group.co.uk
- Laura, Hankey, laura@richardsons-group.co.uk
Timeline
ACA level 7 -
Reed Business School
2022.03 - 2024.09
ACA level 4 -
First Intuition
2020.11 - 2022.03
Trainee, Client Manager, Line Manager
Chartered Accountancy Practice
2019.09 - Current
AAT level 3 -
First Intuition
2019.09 - 2020.11
Week work experience
Pen Underwriting Insurance Company
2019.01
A level results -
Lord Williams School
2017.09 - 2019.06
GCSE results -
Lord Williams School
2012.09 - 2017.06