We are bursting with pride after receiving the news that we have been shortlisted for FOUR awards at the 2021 Yorkshire Accountancy Awards!
We are finalists in:
– Independent Firm Of The Year
– Best Employer
– Team Of The Year
– Yorkshire Accountant Of The Year
Independent Firm
This category is for firms who have received recognition from clients for their outstanding work and evidence of going above and beyond.
Contribution to the business community is also important, which we demonstrate from our joint events with other professionals.
We also have members of the team on various boards which encourage a boost in our local economy and retention of talent in our region such as Hull Young Professionals, Freedom Festival and Marketing Humber, to name a few.
Not only that but we are recognised by international software companies for our forward-thinking approach. We are part of a community of like-minded practices who all thrive off working towards the future of our industry.
Best Employer
Our video entry for the Best Employer category really emphasised the type of working environment we create.
We have a dedicated, tightly knit team who work collaboratively which allows us to provide an exceptional service to our clients.
That does not come without reward, we pride ourselves on the opportunities we create internally, always encouraging members of the team to grow and develop, both personally and professionally.
We also appreciate how much of an impact the pandemic has had on individuals and therefore have had a complete flexible working policy allowing everyone to put their mental health first.
To complement this, we have done various events (virtually of course) whether that be gin tasting, a Christmas quiz or a professional magician hosting a races event, complete with a bag of treats for all who attended.
Despite making a huge success of keeping the team united through digital means, we cannot wait to get back to our in person, two day, annual conference due to take place in October.
Team Of The Year
It has undoubtedly been the toughest year for those working in payroll.
Each year there are changes in legislation to be adhered to and deadlines become even more strict, yet over the past 12 months, the most unprecedented situations have occurred and our Bureau team deserve endless recognition for the way they adapted.
The team have understood the burden this has placed on our clients, including those who do their payroll in-house. For that reason, the department willingly took on new work by taking the over the payroll or doing it for them or just advising them so they can process their own.
The cooperation between team members, and their keenness to help has made us proud of the firm we are. The accounts team have pulled together to assist with the submissions. This way the payroll team have been able to keep abreast of the changing legislation and produce the correct amounts to be claimed.
The firm has claimed over £4.8m to date for our payroll clients alone!
Our bureau team have proven their technical ability by adjusting their ways of working with ease, collaborating with other departments within the firm to allow full use of each teams’ strengths and above all else provided an incredible quality of service.
Accountant Of The Year
Last but certainly not least, Phil Silvester is a finalist in the prestigious category of accountant of the year.
Phil has been with Sowerby for 14 years and over that time has developed a vast knowledge of the practice and its clients.
As a senior accountant Phil proves to be an inspiration to the trainees and a pillar of support for those developing their career. It is apparent Phil is well respected by all members of the team in every department due to his empathetic, understanding nature and ability to see things from a different viewpoint whether that be his colleagues or clients.
Throughout the pandemic Phil has worked tirelessly all across our client base, out of hours ensuring cashflows are prepared and assisted clients with applications for grants, loans and other schemes that have been made temporarily available.
At just 35 Phil has an impressive portfolio and we know he is destined for big things both within the industry and within the firm.
We know that Phil has a passion for his career, clients, and his colleagues. For that reason, we have everything crossed for him at this year’s awards.
The Awards are set to take place early July. We would like to wish all the other finalists the best of luck and celebrate with the team on an outstanding year leading to this incredible news that they have well and truly earned.