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10.

February

2021.

Howards expands payroll team to meet demand

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Ref: HWPR135 Date: 10th February 2021

Howards expands payroll team to meet demand

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The furlough scheme created an urgent need for payroll services, prompting Howards Chartered Certified Accountants to restructure and expand its specialist team to meet client needs.

Responding to a 100 per cent rise in demand, the Stafford-based practice has appointed Geraldine Astbury as payroll manager. She is supported by two new payroll administrators, Gemma Mars and Sarah Lloyd. All have settled in quickly, embracing the fast pace and assisting clients with problem solving.

Managing director Matt Bailey says: "Every business is responsible for paying its workforce promptly and ensuring accuracy. Payroll is part of our growing portfolio of value-added services that SMEs can access easily and cost-effectively and we have expanded our specialist team to deal with increasing demand from local businesses of all shapes and sizes."

Geraldine came to accountancy viaan unconventional route, having first enjoyed success as a jockey before switching to racehorse transport across the UK and Europe. Seeking a role that would enable her to spend more time with her young daughter, she joined her family's accountancy business in 1990. Geraldine then gained broad experience via a series of in-house roles and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) before deciding to specialise in payroll.

Says Geraldine: "The plus side of working longer hours to meet client needs has been an increase in communication. Generally, there's less client contact as businesses go paperless, but it is positively encouraged at Howards and my priority is to improve communication between clients and the payroll team."

Gemma Mars is a bookkeeper with experience of numerous industries, including construction, claims management and finance. With a BSc degree in accountancy and post graduate Certificate in International Business and Finance she is well-versed in a variety of payroll and pension systems and software. Gemma is keen to complete the CIPP payroll qualification.

Sarah Lloyd has worked in finance, bookkeeping and payroll since leaving college and is AAT qualified. This new role with Howards sees her working in an accountancy practice for the first time and she is enjoying the challenge. Sarah's aim is to become CIPP qualified and expand her knowledge of pensions.

Each member of the Howards payroll team is responsible for their own portfolio, providing clients with a dedicated point of contact and continuity when processing. Geraldine is also preparing for the phased introduction of the Superpay payroll system, which affords enhanced client support.

Howards offers the full range of payroll services, includingmonthly or weekly payrolls and support with Authorised Economic Operator status, pensions, Employer Payment Summaries and Statutory Sick Pay.

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Caption: Stafford-based Howards Chartered Certified Accountants has expanded its team to meet increasing demand for payroll services. Pictured (L-R) are: Geraldine Astbury, Gemma Mars, Matt Bailey and Sarah Lloyd.

About Howards

Howards was founded in 2005 following the merger of Barrington's and Wood & Co, two well-established and successful Stafford firms of accountants. The combined experience and areas of individual expertise that the company now enjoys has been passed on to its clients, who all benefit from Howards' deeper knowledge base and wider range of professional services. The senior team comprises managing director Matt Bailey, director and commercial and taxation specialist Ryan Hudson, office manager and group company secretary Joanne Austin, senior managers Nick Archer and Darren Roberts, accounts manager Clive Boult, payroll manager Geraldine Astbury and managers Rachael Wilson, Joe Dimambro, Chris Glue and Jenna Hands.

Howards' social media platforms

Follow Howards on Twitter - @Howards_CA