Laura Keir
Chirnside
Summary
Highly skilled professional with extensive expertise in software applications such as QuickBooks, Excel, Dext, BrightPay, and Payroll Manager. Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in payroll processing procedures, coupled with strong organisational skills and reliability. Committed to maintaining GDPR and data confidentiality standards, showcasing integrity and professionalism in all tasks.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work history
Bookeeper
Adavnced Autos Ltd
Edinburgh
01.2021 - Current
- · Financial Systems & Compliance: Migrated accounting operations from desktop to cloud-based software, maintained MTD compliant submissions through QuickBooks, and assisted HMRC with COVID furlough payment reconciliation processes
- · Data Management & Reporting: Created and maintained detailed Excel spreadsheets for sales tracking, card transaction compliance, and complaint records, ensuring accurate financial reporting and audit trail documentation
- · Payroll & HR Administration: Managed comprehensive HR functions, including contract processing, holiday administration, auto-enrolment procedures, and executed both weekly and monthly payroll operations with full regulatory compliance
- · System Administration & Customer Service: Established password management protocols for enhanced business security, while managing warranty claims processes and account reconciliations to maintain operational efficiency and customer satisfaction
Director
Intelligent Architecture Ltd
Edinburgh
05.2020 - Current
- · Business Development & Funding: Co-Founded a tech startup and successfully applied for R&D grant funding, negotiated legal contracts, and managed all strategic business development initiatives.
- · Digital Platform Creation: Designed and developed the company website using Squarespace, ensuring a professional online presence and a d company website using Squarespace, ensuring professional online presence and user-friendly interface to support business objectives.
- · Financial Planning & Compliance: Maintained accurate cash flow forecasting models, ensured MTD VAT compliance, and managed all bookkeeping operations to support informed business decision-making.
- · Corporate Governance & Administration: Handled Companies House submissions including annual confirmation statements, maintained statutory records, and ensured full regulatory compliance across all business operations.
Bookkeeper
Kellys Bakery Ltd
Edinburgh
01.2024 - 07.2025
- · Business Setup & Compliance: Established accounting infrastructure for new business, including QuickBooks implementation, MTD VAT registration, and initial HMRC submissions, ensuring full regulatory compliance from launch.
- · Payroll & Pension Administration: Managed end-to-end payroll processing using cloud-based software, administered NEST pension schemes, processed DEA contributions, and completed annual survey of hours and earnings.
- · Financial Management & Reporting: Conducted daily bookkeeping operations, bank reconciliations, and VAT return submissions whilst maintaining accurate financial records for the limited company.
- · Administrative & HR Support: Handled confidential employee contracts, sickness records, and weekly bank account amendments, providing comprehensive administrative support to business operations.
Accounts assistant
TaxAssist Accountants
Dalkeith, Midlothian
05.2017 - 05.2020
- · Client Relationship Management: Delivered comprehensive end-to-end accounting services to a diverse client portfolio, acting as a trusted keyholder and emergency contact while maintaining direct liaison with HMRC on clients' behalf.
- · System Implementation & Training: Set up and trained clients on QuickBooks and Dext systems for MTD compliance, facilitated company formations, and submitted statutory filings, including confirmation statements and self-assessment returns via TAXCALC.
- · Payroll & Employment Services: Managed complex payroll operations using Bright Pay, including weekly/monthly processing, SSP, maternity pay, minimum wage adjustments, and pension submissions while ensuring full employment law compliance.
- · Practice Management & Operations: Developed complaint procedures, coordinated scheduling across four office locations, managed cash flow forecasting, and supported community initiatives, including local Cash for Kids charity work.
Customer service representative
HSBC UK
Edinburgh
06.2009 - 02.2017
- · High-Value Customer Support: Delivered exceptional service to premium customers through active listening and a solution-focused approach, handling complex account issues, fraud concerns, and providing reassurance during stressful financial situations.
- · Compliance & Risk Management: Submitted suspicious activity reports, maintained FSA adherence and GDPR compliance, and completed monthly regulatory training to ensure all customer interactions met industry standards and legal requirements.
- · Inclusive Customer Communication: Adapted communication style to accommodate diverse customer needs, including language barriers and accessibility requirements, ensuring clear understanding and effective service delivery for all clients.
- · HR & Recruitment Operations: Managed end-to-end recruitment processes as an internal consultant, including candidate screening, background checks, interviews, and feedback delivery, while serving as an employee engagement officer to support staff development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Managment
Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh 01/2005 - 06/2006
Bachelor of Arts - Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
University of Glamorgan
Pontypridd 09/2002 - 06/2004
Foundation Certificate in Accounting -
AAT
EdinburghAdvanced Diploma in Accounting -
AAT
EdinburghSkills
- Proficient in software, including QuickBooks, Excel, Dext, BrightPay and Payroll Manager
- Payroll processing procedures
- Organisation and reliability
- GDPR and data confidentiality awareness
- Integrity and professionalism
Additional Information
I volunteer with Eat Sleep Ride, a local horse and mental health charity, which allows me to connect with and support my community. Through this role, I have completed workplace first aid and child protection awareness training. I recently had the privilege of attending the Youth Borders Awards alongside several young adult volunteers and helped celebrate their success. In the coming weeks, I have also been selected to take part in a Scottish suicide prevention community-led action research programme, which will equip me with the skills to communicate confidently with vulnerable individuals.
Timeline
Bookkeeper
Kellys Bakery Ltd
01.2024 - 07.2025
Bookeeper
Adavnced Autos Ltd
01.2021 - Current
Director
Intelligent Architecture Ltd
05.2020 - Current
Accounts assistant
TaxAssist Accountants
05.2017 - 05.2020
Customer service representative
HSBC UK
06.2009 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Business Managment
Edinburgh Napier University
01/2005 - 06/2006
Bachelor of Arts - Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
University of Glamorgan
09/2002 - 06/2004
Foundation Certificate in Accounting -
AAT
Advanced Diploma in Accounting -
AAT