Zara Rodwell
Claydon,Suffolk
Summary
Experienced Accounts Manager and Head of Payroll with over 15 years’ experience in accountancy practice and finance roles. Combines strong technical expertise in statutory accounts, tax compliance, VAT, payroll (including auto-enrolment), and financial reporting with a people-focused approach to leadership and client service. Trusted for reviewing work, training and supporting staff, and guiding clients through onboarding and compliance requirements. Highly proficient in Sage, Xero, BrightPay, TaxCalc, and FYI Docs, with a reputation for accuracy, confidentiality, meeting deadlines, and maintaining high professional standards in fast-paced environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Accounts Manager & Head of Payroll
Maurice J Bushell & Co Ltd (trading as MJB Avanti)
10.2018 - 01.2026
- Preparation of statutory accounts for Limited Companies, LLPs, Sole Traders and CICs
- Review and oversight of tax returns and statutory accounts prior to submission
- VAT compliance checks and review of VAT returns
- Oversight of end-to-end payroll processing and compliance, including auto-enrolment
- Provision of technical review and support across accounts, VAT and payroll processes
- Delivery of payroll training where required and acting as lead payroll contact to ensure client compliance
- Involvement in onboarding prospective clients, including reviewing requirements and advising on services and fee structures tailored to their needs.
- Ensuring statutory and client deadlines are met in a fast-paced practice environment
- Maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and high professional standards at all times
Accounts / Credit Control
Require IT Ltd
08.2008 - 01.2026
- Managed the sales ledger, including accurate data input, statement production, payments, and banking
- Completed bank account and remittance reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy
- Oversaw customer accounts, including credit authorisation, monitoring limits, and managing aged debtors
- Delivered effective credit control to support cash flow and reduce overdue balances
- Acted as a key point of contact for customers and suppliers, resolving queries and providing ongoing support
- Prepared and submitted EC Sales Lists and Intrastat returns in line with regulatory requirements
- Provided staff training and support to ensure consistent financial processes
- Held key-holder and security responsibilities, demonstrating trust, accountability, and reliability
Duty Manager, Reception Team Leader
Premier Inn
05.2006 - 08.2008
- Delivered front-of-house services, including guest check-in and check-out
- Handled guest enquiries and complaints professionally, ensuring high customer satisfaction
- Took operational responsibility for the smooth day-to-day running of the hotel in the absence of senior management
- Managed staff rotas and supported payroll input and wage processing
- Trained and supervised staff to maintain service and operational standards
- Completed daily banking and cash handling with accuracy and accountability
Trainee Supervisor
One Stop (T&S Stores Ltd)
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Supervised colleagues during shifts, supporting team performance and day-to-day operations
- Held key-holder responsibilities, including opening and closing procedures
- Managed cash handling and tills, ensuring accuracy and security at all times
- Completed price checks and stock takes to maintain accurate inventory levels
Breakfast Chef, Waitress, and Head housekeeper
Limes Hotel
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Delivered high standards of customer service, handling enquiries and resolving complaints professionally
- Ensured rooms and public areas were cleaned and maintained to a high standard
- Managed food preparation in line with safe food handling and hygiene practices
- Served customers efficiently and courteously in a fast-paced environment
- Handled cash and payments accurately and responsibly
- Maintained stock control and rotation to ensure availability and reduce waste
Waitress and Chef
The Swan
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Prepared food in line with safe food handling and hygiene standards
- Maintained stock control and rotation to ensure freshness and minimise waste
- Delivered friendly and efficient customer service
- Handled cash and payments accurately and responsibly
Education
Tendring Technology College
01.1997 - 01.2000
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Stowmarket High School
01.2000 - 01.2002
Suffolk New College
01.2009 - 01.2013
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)
01.2022 -
Skills
- Strong numerical accuracy and data analysis
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel (Windows & Mac)
- Experience with Sage, Xero, BrightPay, TaxCalc & FYI Docs
- Financial reporting, budgeting & forecasting
- Payroll, VAT, tax compliance & account reconciliation
- Client onboarding & regulatory compliance
- Excellent time management under pressure
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Self-motivated, reliable, punctual & adaptable
REFERENCES:
Upon request
Affiliations
- In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, which encourages patience and focus, and spending quality time with friends and family. I have a strong creative side, with interests ranging from card-making and sewing clothes to baking and cake decoration. I also enjoy staying active through cycling and walking our three dogs.
Certification
- FMAAT – Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (awarded 2013)
- ACIPP – Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (awarded 2022)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)
01.2022 -
Accounts Manager & Head of Payroll
Maurice J Bushell & Co Ltd (trading as MJB Avanti)
10.2018 - 01.2026
Suffolk New College
01.2009 - 01.2013
Accounts / Credit Control
Require IT Ltd
08.2008 - 01.2026
Duty Manager, Reception Team Leader
Premier Inn
05.2006 - 08.2008
Trainee Supervisor
One Stop (T&S Stores Ltd)
01.2004 - 01.2006
Breakfast Chef, Waitress, and Head housekeeper
Limes Hotel
01.2000 - 01.2004
Waitress and Chef
The Swan
01.2000 - 01.2003
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Stowmarket High School
01.2000 - 01.2002
Tendring Technology College
01.1997 - 01.2000