Ella Richards
Bridgwater,Somerset
Summary
Biomedical Science graduate and ACA trainee with experience in statutory accounts preparation, financial analysis, forecasting and interpreting financial information, alongside a three-month secondment within a Commercial accounting team. Confident using Excel and accounting systems to analyse financial data, investigate variances and maintain accurate financial reporting. Experienced in managing competing deadlines and communicating financial information clearly to clients and other stakeholders, supported by four years of customer-facing experience. ICAEW studies, including Sustainability and Ethics, have developed a particular interest in the relationship between commercial decision-making and sustainability. Now seeking to apply my analytical, financial and interpersonal skills within EDF’s Commercial Graduate Programme while developing broader commercial expertise within the energy industry.
Overview
11
11
years of post-secondary education
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Trainee accountant
Moore Scarrott
Taunton, Somerset
07.2024 - Current
- Completed a three-month secondment within the Commercial team, supporting client managers with statutory accounts, financial forecasts and HMRC-related queries across a range of clients.
- Analysed client financial information to identify significant year-on-year variances, unusual movements and inconsistencies, investigating underlying causes and raising queries where further information was required.
- Prepared annual and statutory accounts for a portfolio of limited companies, partnerships and medical-sector clients, analysing financial performance and position as part of the year-end process.
- Prepared budgets and financial forecasts, including projections for prospective business buyers, using historical financial information and relevant assumptions to estimate future performance.
- Developed specialist knowledge of NHS and GP practice finances, including income streams, expenditure, partner profit allocations and pensions, to support accurate accounts preparation and financial analysis.
- Communicated accounting queries and financial information clearly to clients and other non-financial stakeholders, adapting explanations to support understanding while handling confidential information professionally.
- Managed multiple client assignments concurrently, prioritising competing workloads and deadlines while maintaining the accuracy and quality of completed work.
- Prepared and reviewed bank, balance sheet and control account reconciliations, including PAYE, VAT and pensions, investigating discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
- Completed year-end accounting processes, including posting journals, maintaining fixed asset registers, calculating depreciation and reconciling underlying financial records to statutory accounts.
- Supported personal and partnership tax work, including tax computations, expense claims and pension-related matters, developing knowledge of taxation and regulatory requirements within the medical sector.
- Used Excel extensively for financial analysis, reconciliations, forecasts and supporting schedules, alongside Xero, Sage, QuickBooks and Digita for maintaining financial information and preparing accounts.
Career break
Final year university studies
Cardiff , South wales
09.2023 - 07.2024
- Took time off to successfully complete university degree requirements
Customer assistant
Pandora
Taunton, Somerset
07.2023 - 09.2023
- Worked collaboratively towards daily and monthly sales targets, using upselling techniques and focusing on key performance measures including units per transaction (UPT) and average transaction value (ATV).
- Drove customer engagement and retention by promoting new collection launches and supporting promotional activities, while proactively resolving queries and complaints through communication tailored to individual customer needs.
Key holder / supervisor
Jack wills
Taunton, Someset
12.2020 - 04.2023
- Took responsibility for day-to-day store operations in the manager’s absence.
- Managed key operational processes including cashing up, staff timecards using Kronos, stocktakes, deliveries, inter-branch transfers and stock-level monitoring.
- Trained and supported new team members, providing guidance on customer service, store procedures and operational standards.
- Supported commercial store activity through price changes, floor moves and stock management, ensuring products were appropriately positioned and available to customers.
- Communicated effectively with customers, other stores and Head Office through phone, email and Microsoft Teams to coordinate activities and resolve queries.
Home delivery assistant
Morrisons
Bridgwater , Somerset
10.2020 - 12.2020
- Picked and prepared customer orders accurately and efficiently to meet deadlines for scheduled delivery.
Customer service assistant
Morrisons
Taunton, Somerset
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Delivered efficient customer service in a fast-paced supermarket environment, proactively resolving queries while replenishing and rotating stock to maintain product availability and an organised shop floor during busy trading periods.
- Adapted to changing procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping manage customer entry and exit while following store safety requirements.
Customer Service Assistant
Oasis
Taunton, Somerset
10.2019 - 04.2020
- Delivered high-quality customer service by understanding individual needs, resolving queries and collaborating with colleagues to maintain a safe, organised and welcoming store environment, including completing regular floor and safety checks.
- Supported sales and promotional activity by updating product displays, implementing price reductions and positioning promotional materials to increase the visibility of key offers.
- Monitored incoming stock using internal systems and coordinated with other stores to resolve queries and support stock availability.
Customer service assistant
Matalan
Bridgwater , Somerset
04.2019 - 10.2019
- Delivered friendly and efficient customer service while collaborating with colleagues to resolve queries, help customers find suitable products and maintain high store standards and a positive customer experience.
Work experience
Michael J Dodden & Co
Bridgwater , Somerset
06.2017 - 06.2017
- Updated financial records accurately using Excel while gaining practical exposure to tax refunds and fundamental accounting processes.
Education
ACA -
ICAEW
Bristol 06.2025 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical science
Cardiff university
Cardiff 09.2021 - 06.2024
A-Levels -
Richard huish college
Taunton, Somerset 09.2018 - 06.2020
GCSEs -
Haygrove school
Bridgwater, Somerset 09.2013 - 06.2018
Skills
- Financial analysis and data interpretation
- Variance analysis and problem-solving
- Microsoft Excel
- VAT preparation
- Account and bank reconciliations
- Stakeholder and client communication
- Customer service and relationship management
- Prioritisation and time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Xero, Sage, QuickBooks and Digita
Timeline
ACA -
ICAEW
06.2025 - Current
Trainee accountant
Moore Scarrott
07.2024 - Current
Career break
Final year university studies
09.2023 - 07.2024
Customer assistant
Pandora
07.2023 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical science
Cardiff university
09.2021 - 06.2024
Key holder / supervisor
Jack wills
12.2020 - 04.2023
Home delivery assistant
Morrisons
10.2020 - 12.2020
Customer service assistant
Morrisons
06.2020 - 08.2020
Customer Service Assistant
Oasis
10.2019 - 04.2020
Customer service assistant
Matalan
04.2019 - 10.2019
A-Levels -
Richard huish college
09.2018 - 06.2020
Work experience
Michael J Dodden & Co
06.2017 - 06.2017
GCSEs -
Haygrove school
09.2013 - 06.2018