Alan Novitzki – Client Relationship Manager

What is your background? How did you get into Accountancy?

I was born and raised in New York and I’ve always had an interest in Business.

When I was a teenager, I did a day of work experience with my uncle who works in accounting in NYC. I was telling him about my interest in Business and he said to me that “Accountancy is the language of Business”. I changed my major in Uni from Business to Accounting the very next week and haven’t looked back.

What does your job as Client Relationship Manager involve?

In general, it’s making sure our client’s expectations/requirements are being met.

I am responsible for everything from requesting records to completing client work, overseeing staff and reviewing the accounts/tax returns, and ensuring that everything is filed with no deadlines being missed.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

I am based in our Brighton office so I am usually up pretty early to catch the train. During my commute, I will start by checking emails and actioning anything urgent that has come in.

No two days are the same in accountancy and my usual tasks as Client Relationship Manager can be anything from chasing or reviewing work, meeting clients, sending final figures for client approval, filing documents with Companies House/HMRC etc.

I do like to take time at lunch to have a coffee and read for a bit as it helps clear the mind ready to take on the afternoon!

What sort of challenges do you or your clients face?

In the past few years especially, businesses have had to contend with shifting tax rates and grant criteria while still juggling their day-to-day business requirements.

Our job as their accountants, is to be quick to react and digest this information and take action where required, allowing our clients to focus on their core business.