Lorraine Diston
Kirkcaldy,Fife
Summary
Experienced accounting professional with extensive knowledge of VAT legislation and proficiency in accounting software including Xero, QuickBooks Online, and SAGE. Demonstrated expertise in accounts receivable handling, revenue recognition principles, sales invoicing, and client account servicing. Skilled in accounts payable processing, invoice processing, financial reporting, account reconciliation, payroll administration, month-end accounting, GL entry accuracy, VAT returns, month-end reporting, payroll management, depreciation calculations, and balance sheet management. Committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency in all financial operations.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work history
Accounts manager
Pyramid Construction Scotland Ltd
Edinburgh, Mid Lothian
04.2020 - Current
- Regularly maintained detailed reconciliations of all balance sheet accounts, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Prepared financial reports for meetings, facilitating informed discussions about the firm's fiscal health.
- Prepared accounting related entries to numerous registers, journals and logs, enhancing data accuracy.
- Ensured accurate reporting by following up on bank reconciliations promptly when required.
- Reconciled all company accounts, including credit cards and expenses.
- Managed payroll by tracking employee hours and entitlements.
- Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
- Organised and carried out month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
Accounts manager
Security & Fire Systems Scotland Ltd
Kirkcaldy, Fife
06.2012 - Current
- Oversaw accounts payable and receivable activities for efficient cash flow management.
- Reviewed and corrected account discrepancies for improved financial reporting.
- Managed payroll operations for team of employees.
- Prepared monthly reports, account reconciliations and financial statements.
- Processed customer payments and set up direct debits for long-term service contracts.
Accounts manager
Raeburn Construction Services Ltd
Kirkcaldy, Fife
02.2013 - 11.2022
- Initiated process improvements that streamlined invoice processing tasks.
- Streamlined internal audit processes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Oversaw accounts payable and receivable activities for efficient cash flow management.
- Reviewed and corrected account discrepancies for improved financial reporting.
- Managed payroll operations for team of employees.
- Prepared monthly reports, account reconciliations and financial statements.
- Supervised accounting department operations and team of 2 employees.
Account manager
Abbotshall Homes Ltd
Kirkcaldy, Fife
06.2002 - 06.2012
- Efficiently managed payroll processing tasks, avoiding errors.
- Ensured timely invoice payments with diligent follow-ups.
- Reviewed and reconciled ledgers to maintain integrity of financial data.
- Prepared monthly and yearly balance sheets, ensuring accuracy.
- Completed detailed profit and loss analysis; identified improvement areas.
- Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
- Organised and carried out month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
- Managed financial updates, watch lists and insurance files.
Accounts & audit assistant
Norman Berry & Co C.A
Kirkwall, Fife
07.1984 - 06.2002
- Rectified errors in financial statements, improving overall report quality.
- Improved accuracy in financial reports by meticulous data entry and verification.
- Verified client data, enhancing the accuracy of financial records.
- Ensured timely delivery of audit reports by adhering to strict schedules and deadlines.
- Kept abreast with latest changes in tax laws and accounting standards, ensuring up-to-date practice at all times.
- Worked under pressure during peak audit seasons, delivering work efficiently without compromising on quality.
- Compiled financial statements for accurate record-keeping and reporting.
- Prepared tax returns to meet legal requirements and deadlines.
- Managed multiple accounts simultaneously, maintaining high levels of precision and organisation.
- Identified discrepancies in financial documents through careful examination and comparison of records.
- Maintained and improved company bookkeeping processes.
- Supported accurate recordkeeping by properly documenting financial transactions.
- Reconciled all company accounts, including credit cards and expenses.
- Participated in monthly, quarterly and annual audits.
- Oversaw work of junior accounting assistants and bookkeeping clerks handling extensive business financial information.
- Identified optimal accounting technique for different clients and accounts.
Accounts assistant
Harley Hepburn C.A.
Kirkcaldy, Fife
06.1980 - 07.1984
- Managed petty cash transactions, safeguarded company resources.
- Processed staff expenses claims, ensured fair reimbursement practices.
- Improved accuracy of financial data by conducting thorough checks and balances.
- Conducted bank reconciliations regularly to maintain accurate records.
- Assisted in monthly closings, ensured timely completion of tasks.
- Managed client accounts to ensure timely payments.
- Input sales, purchase and cash transactions.
- Completed daily and monthly bank reconciliations and noted any discrepancies.
- Helped with preparation of management accounts and end-month duties.
Skills
- VAT legislation knowledge
- Proficiency in accounting software
- Accounts receivable handling
- Revenue recognition principles
- Sales invoicing
- Client account servicing
- Accounts payable processing
- Invoice processing
- Financial reporting
- Account reconciliation
- Payroll administration
- Month-end accounting
- GL entry accuracy
- Xero software
- Double-entry bookkeeping
- VAT returns
- Month-end reporting
- QuickBooks Online
- Payroll management
- Depreciation calculations
- Balance sheet management
- SAGE Software
Referees
Scott Raeburn Director Armada Projects Ltd 07894 057554 scott@armada.me.uk
Derek Kane Commercial Director Security & Fire System Scotland Ltd 07515 568812 derek@scottishsecurity.co.uk
Timeline
Accounts manager
Pyramid Construction Scotland Ltd
04.2020 - Current
Accounts manager
Raeburn Construction Services Ltd
02.2013 - 11.2022
Accounts manager
Security & Fire Systems Scotland Ltd
06.2012 - Current
Account manager
Abbotshall Homes Ltd
06.2002 - 06.2012
Accounts & audit assistant
Norman Berry & Co C.A
07.1984 - 06.2002
Accounts assistant
Harley Hepburn C.A.
06.1980 - 07.1984
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