Jay Coldham
Stanway, Colchester,Essex
Summary
Motivated Trainee Accountant with hands-on experience in VAT compliance and financial reporting. Holds multiple ACCA exemptions and a strong academic foundation in accounting, audit, and corporate governance, supported by an audit-focused degree dissertation. Experienced in using Xero and Excel to analyse financial data and support compliance work. Seeking a Junior Auditor role with the intention of continuing ACCA studies alongside professional practice.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Trainee Accountant
Aston Shaw
Ipswich, Suffolk
10.2023 - Current
- Prepared and reviewed VAT returns for a portfolio of clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with HMRC regulations
- Analysed sales and purchase transactions to confirm correct VAT treatment and identify discrepancies
- Reconciled VAT control accounts and investigated variances in line with supporting documentation
- Assisted with VAT audits and HMRC queries by gathering evidence, schedules, and explanations
- Reviewed client records to ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting standards
- Maintained detailed working papers to support VAT calculations and audit trails
- Ensured deadlines were met by managing multiple VAT submissions efficiently
Dotcom Personal Shopper
Tesco
Colchester, Essex
04.2017 - 09.2023
- Managed selection of high-quality products to meet customer preferences and expectations.
- Collaborated with team members to optimise shopping efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Ensured accurate and timely fulfilment of online grocery orders through effective organisational skills.
- Assisted in training new staff members on best practices for order picking and customer service.
Business Analyst Intern
Royal Bank of Scotland
City of London, City of London
06.2016 - 08.2018
- Analyzed business processes to identify areas for improvement and optimisation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather requirements for system enhancements.
- Developed detailed documentation to support project workflows and business analysis efforts.
- Conducted market research to inform strategic decision-making and project prioritisation.
Education
A-Levels - Information Technology
Colchester Institute
Colchester 09.2015 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Finance
Anglia Ruskin University
Chelmsford, EssexSkills
- Financial reporting and analysis
- VAT compliance and HMRC regulations
- Audit awareness and corporate governance
- Reconciliations and variance analysis
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Use of Excel and MS Office for financial data
- Accounting software: Xero and Sage
- Time management and meeting statutory deadlines
- Professional communication with clients and senior staff
Timeline
Trainee Accountant
Aston Shaw
10.2023 - Current
Dotcom Personal Shopper
Tesco
04.2017 - 09.2023
Business Analyst Intern
Royal Bank of Scotland
06.2016 - 08.2018
A-Levels - Information Technology
Colchester Institute
09.2015 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Finance
Anglia Ruskin University